SUB FEATURE photo courtesy of Road Widener LLC . tested against the two other rollers that were 8-22x greater in weight . Additionally , the variance of the offset compaction roller attachment was the least out of the three .
In summary , the offset compaction roller provided a more consistent density of compacted gravel and gave workers added flexibility with its offset arm , eliminating the risk of injury and rollovers compared to other methods . Additionally , the compaction attachment improved efficiency by allowing the operator to remotely control the position of the roller from the host machine , enabling coverage over the entire shoulder as compared to ride-on methods that require straddling the shoulder or not allowing for full compaction coverage .
Compaction roller attachments can be purchased in a variety of interchangeable drum widths , ranging from 2 to 4 feet , providing heightened adaptability .
missions that would need to be continuously maintained . This flexibility opens up more opportunities for contractors , allowing them to meet a range of job specifications without the hassle of maintaining , hauling and storing several pieces of equipment .
A Federal Stamp of Approval
The safety and productivity benefits of compaction roller attachments are powerful , and the data that demonstrates the impact they bring to the industry speaks volumes .
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation ( NHDOT ) conducted a study to measure the effectiveness of offset compaction roller attachments connected to a wheeled skid steer versus the traditional steel drum and rubber-tired rollers used by NHDOT contractors . The study examined the density of gravel compaction on a road shoulder to determine which method of compaction would yield the most consistent results in terms of gravel density , ensuring a longer wear life of the road shoulder . NHDOT recognized that longer wear life would result in saving thousands of dollars for the state that could be reallocated to other areas to improve infrastructure .
In the past , contractors of the NHDOT primarily used self-propelled rollers in static mode to prevent the risk of rollovers or sliding into ditches . To prove the effectiveness of the study , the self-propelled rollers were utilized in both static and vibratory modes to accurately compare with the offset compaction roller attachment , which was only capable of operating with vibration .
For this compaction testing , the material was placed two ways for each roller , first being approximately a half-inch higher than the existing pavement prior to compaction , and second , the material was placed flush with the existing pavement .
The results of the study showed that the offset compaction roller attachment had almost equal compaction when
Minimal Maintenance
When it comes to the impact of maintenance , traditional ride-on compaction rollers have several grease fittings that need to be maintained , and they often have a buildup of debris that requires frequent cleaning . However , with compaction roller attachments , there is almost no maintenance to speak of . Without the need for an engine , powertrain or any associated parts of its own to operate , advanced offset compaction rollers require 90 % less maintenance than ride-on compaction machines by cutting out traditional engine and transmission service .
Moving to Safety
In a world where so many elements are outside of our control — the supply chain , the price of fuel , inflationary costs , and more — it is more critical than ever that contractors control risk and costs wherever they can . And their equipment investment is a great place to start .
By carefully evaluating equipment selection and choosing options that maximize the capabilities of their current fleet , contractors will see an increase in the efficiency and profitability of their business while providing unparalleled safety for their crew .
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September 2022