Compared to more complex machines, compaction rollers are relatively straightforward to maintain. However, it’s important to not gloss over the specific maintenance needs of your roller. Like other machines, compaction rollers have specific maintenance requirements that need to be met in order to maximize their longevity and prevent machine failures.

Key Maintenance Areas

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your roller operating at its peak performance and avoid potential issues that can hamper its productivity. In particular, several components require frequent attention and care to ensure optimal functionality.

Here are some of the most common maintenance needs for compaction rollers:

1. Checking Fluid Levels

Regularly inspecting and maintaining proper fluid levels, including engine oil, hydraulic fluid and coolant, is essential to prevent overheating, ensure smooth operation and avoid potential damage to the engine and other components.

Certain fluids, like the coolant and engine oil, may need to be topped up from time to time. To find the required fluid levels for your machine, check the roller’s maintenance decal, which should provide information about required fluid levels.

2. Cleaning the Drum

The drum of a compaction roller can accumulate dirt, debris and material buildup over time. In some conditions, it may even become dented or punctured.

Regularly cleaning the drum and inspecting it for imperfections will not only maintain its performance, but will also prevent excessive wear and uneven compaction of the target surface.

3. Lubricating the Drum

In addition to maintaining the external components of the drum, it’s equally important to keep its internals maintained. In both vibratory and oscillatory rollers, the internal parts of the drum need to be lubricated regularly.

It’s important to check the oil levels at least once per week. If your drum isn’t properly lubricated, its internal components may wear down prematurely and contribute to machine failures.  

4. Changing Air Filters

Clean air filters are essential for maintaining the engine’s performance and protecting it from contaminants. Regularly replacing air filters helps prevent dust and debris from entering the engine, promoting efficient combustion and extending the engine’s lifespan.

While you may be tempted to clean the air filter rather than change it, this isn’t recommended. Most air filters are not designed to be cleaned and they should be replaced when they have become too clogged to function properly.

5. Replacing Shock Mounts

Compaction rollers rely on shock mounts to absorb vibrations and impact during operation. These mounts can deteriorate over time and lose their effectiveness.

Regularly inspecting and replacing worn shock mounts can help maintain the stability and effectiveness of the roller. Replacing shock mounts will also result in a more comfortable experience for operators and reduce damage to other components in the machine.

6. Train Operators to Use the Machine Properly

Proper operation techniques, including correct speed control, appropriate compaction methods for different materials and safe handling practices can significantly impact the machine’s performance and longevity.

One common mistake operators make is over-compacting the target surface. Once target density has been achieved, operators should not make additional passes over the surface.

7. Add Fuel Daily

One common fuel contaminant that causes engine components to degrade prematurely is water. When a machine sits with a fuel tank that is only partially full, condensation is allowed to form in the fuel tank and contaminate the fuel.

To prevent this, it’s a good idea for operators to top up the roller’s fuel tank at the end of each shift. That way, empty space in the fuel tank is minimized and condensation cannot form.