Double Drum Roller

All About Double Drum Rollers

Double drum rollers are a useful type of compaction equipment that flatten soil and asphalt with ease.

A double drum roller is a construction machine that aids construction companies in flattening and leveling the ground, soil and asphalt. It is used to compact the soil making a firmer, denser and better foundation. The double drum roller has two drums, in the front and the back. With no tires, the drums themselves move the roller. The drums are smooth and therefore have no traction. The double drum roller is typically used for paving asphalt on roads, paths, parking lots, and playgrounds.

Renting compaction equipment gives companies an opportunity to have access to machinery that might be out of the budget. For some companies, the compaction rollers that are needed for one job aren’t required again for many months, years, or ever again. Renting allows companies of all sizes to complete projects without worrying about budget issues or storage space problems.

When to Use Double Drum Rollers

Road rollers, also known as steam rollers, are giant machines that have large circular wheels. These wheels are called drums and are used to crush, flatten, and level the ground or other material. The compaction roller spins at a high rate with a lot of power. The high-power rotation allows the drum roller to roll over many large objects easily.

The single drum roller has one large drum in the front and specialized tires in the back. These tires are designed to be able to run over difficult terrain without being punctured. The double drum compactor has a large drum on the front as well as the back. There are times a single drum roller is best, and times that a double drum roller a better option, depending on the job.

How to Decide

Several factors determine which roller is best for the job. Sometimes, it is based on which type of roller the operator is comfortable with. Sometimes, it is determined by what is available. Usually, which kind of compaction roller is best for a project depends on the project and the type of soil that needs to be compressed. Also, climate and traction can make a difference.

No single compactor can do every job. Each type of roller (Smooth, Padfoot, etc.) has materials it works best with and an optimal operating range. Choosing the right machine reduces the number of passes required, which reduces fuel and work time. Therefore, many construction companies rent compactors based on the job.

Power and Efficiency

Double drum rollers have sheer power and efficiency. The force of a double drum road roller comes from the two steel drums. The machine weighs at least a ton and drives over almost any area. The driver steers the twin drums over the terrain. The double drum roller can smooth in front of and behind the driver at the same time. This way, twice the area can be flattened and prepped at the same time.

Two Jobs In One

With the extra coverage of the second drum, double drum rollers are the best choice for asphalt laying. Pavers can smooth the entire section of highways fast. The reason the double drum roller is suitable for highways, roads, and parking lots is that the roller can be used to flatten the ground, then used to level and smooth after the concrete is poured.

The Downside of a Double Drum Roller

Since double drum rollers work in front and behind the driver, the trade-off is that the drums move the rollers and flatten things in the surrounding area. Also, double drum rollers don’t have the traction that a single drum roller does. It is not designed for specialized work. Therefore, it operates best on flat surfaces with a gradual grading.

Current Manufacturers

There are several manufacturers of double drum rollers. Each model made by an individual manufacturer has different features and technical specifications. Because of the different manufacturers, one double drum roller might be better for a job than another.

Caterpillar

The Cat Brand, also known as Caterpillar, is well established in the construction business. Currently, the brand is making stride is bringing construction closer to the latest technology. Each type of roller is designed to do a particular job and to do it in the most efficient way possible. Cat Connect is a new technology that is used to improve job site performance. The machines are equipped with technology that helps owners get valuable insight into the way the machine operates and performs. This reduces costs and improves safety.

Volvo

Volvo is another manufacturer of asphalt paving double drum rollers as well as single drum rollers that are soil compactors. Known for their high-quality equipment, these rollers have greater widths. Each roller has a high-frequency vibration designed to improve performance and complete the job faster. Volvo rollers are great for large highway projects or smaller projects, like side streets or neighborhoods. Volvo is a great value choice, with high performance and speed.

Wacker Neuson

Wacker Neuson has both gas-powered and a diesel engine in their tandem rollers. Their rollers come with 2,3, or 4-cylinder engines. With different choices, there is a model for every job, no matter the size. Wacker Neuson has a basic model to get the job done as well as models with more features, like air-conditioned cabs.

CASE

CASE has many types of compaction rollers. These rollers are durable enough for daily use, all day. The smooth drum rollers are known to be easy to operate and maintain. CASE has many features that come standard that other manufacturers include as an upgrade.

Most Popular Models

Just like with different manufacturers, different models, even from the same maker, offer various features and different benefits.

825K from Cat

CAT 825K

One of the favorite Cat Brands is the heavy-duty soil compactor 825K with the Cat C15 ACERT engine. This double drum roller has a 405 horsepower engine, and an operating weight capacity of 78,326 lbs. The 825K continues the legacy of reliability, performance, and safety. It is known for its high efficiency and safety standards.

DV Series Compactor From CASE

CASE DV45

The DV series of compactors from CASE has small rollers and large rollers.

The small DV series of compactor rollers have a large tank that can last all day and has dual filtration that allows the water to be filtered at the fill point and midway through the cycle, which reduced the amount of debris that gets sprayed out. The pressure, which can be changed depending on the job, is maintained to all the nozzles even when the roller isn’t level. Models include the DV23, DV26, DV36, and DV45 with an operating weight ranging between 5,400 lbs and 10,296 lbs.

The large DV series rollers have dual fill ports for convenience and triple filtration to prevent clogs and prolong the water pump’s life. In addition to the same features as the small asphalt roller line, there is a standard backup pump for uninterrupted productivity. Models include the DV209 and DV210 with an operating weight ranging between 10,030 lbs and 22,930 lbs.

Volvo DD Series

Volvo DD120C

Volvo is known for its asphalt rollers. There are double drum rollers that are equally perfect for smaller jobs and larger jobs, and several in between. Consider the Volvo DD series for middle to larger sized jobs. With an operating weight capacity between 24,000 lbs and 35,500 lbs, they’re mostly used for asphalting. There are sizes in between to suit every project. Volvo aims to help contractors finish the job ahead of schedule and under budget.

Wacker Neuson RD Series

Wacker Neuson RD28

Wacker Neuson has many popular models. From walk-behind compactor options to more massive ride on models, there are several to choose from.

The RD7 is a walk-behind double drum roller. It is easy to maneuver. It can be used on soil and asphalt compaction. This roller is designed for tight side clearance on both sides.

The RD45 is the most massive model of tandem rollers. The tapered design offers a better view of the drums and the work site. All models feature an ergonomic platform to provide maximum comfort.

Equipment Reviews

There are many types of rollers. Some have features that others do not. Which model you favor will be your personal choice. However, there are some that tend to rank better than others.

One operator said about the Caterpillar CB-114 Double Drum Roller:

Caterpillar is known for being at the top of the industry. It has always been at the forefront of both innovation and infrastructure. The Caterpillar CB-114 has a Hatz 2G 40 H engine. This gives the CB-114 up to 19.7HP. With a 22L fuel capacity and an oil capacity of 2.5L, this double drum roller has an 800 mm width drum that has a 575 mm diameter. While some people may be looking for a faster more powerful roller, the CB-114 is compact enough to accommodate most operations.

The cab offers an adjustable suspension seat with an armrest and a retractable seat belt. The steering wheel comes with a steering knob for easy maneuverability. The instrument panel is easy to understand and allows for more functionality. The ROPS is easily lowered without tools for easier transport. The large station and the low-profile hood make the drum edges easier to see to allow for better safety.

History of the Equipment Type

Drum rollers were used even in the construction of early paved roads.

Typically, today’s double drum rollers are found on road work projects and on construction sites. Initially, drum rollers were pulled by horses. Now, double drum rollers can be locally powered by gasoline and by diesel, in a variety of cylinder and horsepower options.

There are different types of rollers, although, for the double drum rollers, the smooth wheels are most common. Sometimes there are pneumatic wheels and vibratory plates.

Vibratory Roller

These have two rollers. One is in the front, which is fixed, and another in the back. Vibration is used to reduce the air in the soil. It is best used for sand or clay.

Smooth Drum Rollers

The difference between the smooth drum roller and the vibratory roller is that the smooth wheel roller has no vibration.

Pneumatic Tire Roller

This type of roller has several rubber tires in the front and the rear. It is used for highways, dam construction, and grained and non-cohesive soils.

Except for becoming motorized, there has been very little change to the roller itself. The changes have come more in the safety aspects and becoming more efficient.

Patents Related to Double Drum Rollers

Improvement in double drum rollers has brought the roller a long way, with new advances coming. Horses no longer power today’s modern rollers. Gas and diesel make these rollers more efficient.

In recent years, a new device has been added to some drum rollers: the water chamber. It is used when working on ground surfaces or roadways. Water chambers are being improved to provide better water pressure to keep the drum clean while working with asphalt.

Adding ROPS, or rollover protective structures keeps the rollers from tipping over as quickly.

The cabs are now made higher than the drums. With the cabs higher, and some models built with the drums tapered, the operator gets a better vantage point to be able to see more clearly. The elevated cabin position also provides better safety measures.

Potential Hazards

Common hazards of drum rollers include roll-overs and blind spots

As with any construction equipment, there is always a chance of something going wrong. While being trained does help lower the risks of an accident, the inherent danger is still there. These risks are reduced if someone is adequately prepared and has experience. Rollers themselves have not changed much over the years; safety awareness has increased.

Roll Overs

Dangers come when using construction equipment like rollers. When a double drum roller is on soft soil, one side could go lower than the other, causing it to tip over. Another way the roller could roll over is if it is driven too close to an edge. If the roller tips over, the driver could be pinned underneath or thrown from the cab.

Blind Spots

Blind spots are another dangerous safety issue when using a double drum roller. A driver needs to be aware of the people around the compaction equipment. Other workers need to stay mindful of what the roller is doing and where it is going. Otherwise, the roller could roll over someone and cause injury or even death.

Other Hazards

Other risks are hearing loss from noise pollution and burns from hot equipment. Crashes and collisions can cause injury or property damage. Fuel leaks can lead to fires.

Safety Protocols

It is imperative that everyone on a job site is safe. Even the most reliable construction sites pose hazards for those on and near the site. That is why having a set safety protocol in place and that everyone follows it is essential. All new hires should know the protocol and are trained to follow it. Everyone should be trained on every equipment that they are using, and retraining should be done on a set schedule, or if needed, sooner.

Basic Safety Rules

Basic safety rules should always be followed when working with machinery. Companies need to have someone who is qualified and trained operating the equipment. Machine operators should be 18 years or older. No one should be left alone on the job site until they are appropriately trained and feel confident working alone. Everyone on the job site should wear a hard hat, safety glasses, and other protective clothing. If noise levels are above 90 dBa, ear protection should also be worn.

Operator Safety

It is important to observe the ground as the operator uses the double drum roller in order to avoid driving over undesignated areas.

Drivers in the cab should always wear their seat belt while in the cab. No one should be in the cab, unless in a proper seat and secured. This will prevent anyone from being thrown from the cab if there is an accident or the double drum roller rolls over.

Many of the new double drum rollers come with rollover protective structures, also known as ROPS. This is to help prevent the machine from rolling over, pinning those in the cab.

All employees who will be operating the double drum roller, or will be working near it, should go through training on all safety protocol. As part of the safety protocol, where to stand, where to walk and where not to be should be addressed. This will help prevent someone from being caught in a blind spot and getting injured.

Understanding what to look out for on your equipment and in your surroundings can drastically reduce accidents.

Training Needed for Double Drum Rollers

OSHA has many pieces of training that are meant to keep people on a job site safe. This training ranges from dealing with machinery, to fire prevention, working with the hazardous materials and general job safety on a construction site.

If there is injury or property damage, and the operator is not certified or trained correctly, the operator and company can be held liable for the loss or injury. Insurance or bond can be rendered invalid.

OSHA Requirements

OSHA requires that any employees working on construction sites with drum rollers know how to recognize certain dangerous situations. One of the potential risks includes rollover risk. Operators need to know how to spot soft edges that can cause one side of the roller to sink down.

If you are renting the double drum roller, there are operation manuals available. It is essential to always familiarize yourself with the model that is being rented. Just like things change from one car manufacturer to another, so do large machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Renting equipment that your company doesn’t use often is a simple solution to get a project completed. When you are ready to rent a double drum roller, BigRentz has the equipment you need. Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding renting a double drum roller.

How Do I Rent A Double Drum Roller?

Visit the BigRentz website to find the location closest to you. It is simple to arrange delivery and pick up. Please be sure that whoever will be using the double drum roller needs to be appropriately trained in how to use it, and in safety standards according to OSHA.

How Long Can I Rent the Roller For?

Double drum rollers can be rented by the day, by the week or by the month. With the different renting options, there is plenty of time to complete any project.

What Kinds of Safety Equipment Are Needed For Operations of the Roller?

Safety equipment is required according to OSHA. Hard hats and safety goggles are required when using the double drum roller. Operation manuals are available on BigRentz website. For more information about safety requirements, check the OSHA manual for additional safety regulations.

What Kind of Training Is Necessary Before Operating?

Anyone who operates a double drum roller, or any large equipment, needs to have the proper training. OSHA requires that operators be trained in proper use and safety practices. If someone who has not had the proper training and certifications operates the compaction roller, and there is an incident, this could void all bonds and insurances. If the person has not been trained according to the requirements, the renter/company can be held liable.

Can I pick up and drop off my equipment?

No. BigRentz company is required, for insurance reasons, to delivery and pick up the equipment.

Conclusion

There is a right piece of equipment for every job. When the ground needs to be flattened, or you’re working with asphalt, a double drum roller is required. When a double drum roller is right for the job, BigRentz makes it easy to get hold of it. There are different sized rollers and a range of models that will make it easy to complete the project.

BigRentz can help you decide which roller is best for the job. Be sure that anyone who is using the rollers, or will be working on the equipment, is appropriately certified according to OSHA and any state regulations. There are over 8,000 BigRentz locations around the country. Contact BigRentz at (888) 325-5172 for more information on the rental process and get the equipment you need, today.