Road Roller

Overview

A road roller compacts soil, aggregate, and asphalt to increase density and load-bearing capacity. The single-drum vibratory soil compactor shown here adds a rotating eccentric inside the drum, so the drum both presses statically and pounds dynamically, driving particles together far more effectively than dead weight alone. It is the standard machine for compacting embankment fill, subgrade, and base courses on roads, dams, and large earthworks.

The machine is built on an articulated Articulated Frame carrying the Diesel Engine, a vibrating Vibratory Drum Unit up front, and a driven rear axle.

How it works

The Diesel Engine drives a Hydrostatic Drive propel circuit: variable pumps feed motors at the Vibratory Drum Unit and the Drive Axle, giving stepless speed control and traction split between drum and rear wheels for climbing grades. Steering is by frame articulation at the centre hinge.

Compaction energy comes from an eccentric weight on a shaft inside the drum, spun by its own hydraulic motor. As it rotates it generates centrifugal force that makes the drum oscillate vertically at 30–34 Hz; selecting high or low amplitude tunes the machine for thick lifts or finishing passes. The Hydraulic System system supplies the vibration motor, steering, and auxiliary functions from an engine-driven pump and valve bank.

A Water Spray System sprays the drum to stop hot or sticky material adhering during asphalt work. The operator sits in a Cab / ROPS / ROPS station with vibration-isolated mounts, and the Electrical System system provides 24 V power for starting, lighting, instrumentation, and the compaction-meter that reports achieved density in real time.