If you work in construction, you’ve probably heard of them before: rollers. Construction sites generally use rollers to build roads and foundations or to simply even out a surface. Most companies buy brand new rollers, but did you know that used rollers can be just as effective? There are many different types with different capabilities, so how do you choose which one to buy? In this article, we’ll take a quick look at what types of rollers are out there and how buying used rollers can help improve your construction sites’ productivity.

Roller machines are used for a multitude of tasks

Construction roller machines are used for different tasks. Generally speaking, people use them to flatten and compact gravel, dirt, asphalt and concrete. In most cases we use large machines with two drums, normally found along roadways and highways. These rollers get the job done much better as the drums rotate in opposite directions, resulting in a smoother surface.

But don’t sweat – you don’t have to purchase a large and heavy roller if you want two drums. Its smaller brother can also have two drums to ensure evenly pressed ground, but they are much more compact in size. These are usually found working on parking lots and driveways.

So how much does a roller weigh?

Of course, to compactly press the ground together, you’re going to need a lot of weight to do it. The thicker and more dense the layer that needs to be pressed, the heavier the equipment will need to be. A heavy machine does not necessarily get the job done faster.

Normal rollers weigh between 1 and 20 tonnes. The largest type of rollers can run up to 60 tonnes. But if you’re looking for something small and compact that you can use by hand, handheld devices are also widely available. If you can lift the 45 kg they weigh, that is.

How to know what used rollers to buy

A new roller machine will easily cost you a hundred thousand bucks. A much cheaper option is to go for used rollers. These are usually not even used as often as you’d think when buying a second-hand. Used rollers can be a good alternative, especially if you are working on a budget. Buying a used roller machine is a much more cost efficient option.

Firstly, you’ll need to determine what your needs are exactly. Do some research on what type of rolling machine fits your project best. Consider the size of the area you’ll be working on and how much power you’ll be needing to complete the project in a timely manner. A lightweight machine will do for a smaller job, but if you have a bigger project, you’ll want to settle on a heavy duty roller.

Do note that used machines are usually ordered by age. Older models use mechanical drive systems while modern types use a hydraulic drive. If you’re not looking for a mechanical type of roller, you can also buy a manual roller. These have a lever that you pull to move the drum. They’ll give you more control, but work much, much slower.