Road Roller Maintenance Tips
June 24, 2019
What are the important points of maintenance for road rollers?
- Daily Maintenance
- Drum Maintenance
- Water System Maintenance
- Shock Mount Maintenance
Now that you’re using your road roller, what should you do next? The next and most essential thing you should do, which can apply to various kinds of machinery, is to properly maintain it. Relatively speaking, road rollers tend to have a tendency to be left ignored when it comes to maintenance. Any smart user should know that this shouldn’t be the case. Each equipment you have, no matter how low-maintenance it is advertised, should be checked regularly.
As much as you want to believe that you barely need to maintain the equipment, it’s always a good idea to do so. Meticulously taking care of your equipment is the best way to maximize and get the best use out it. These small but significant steps can increase the lifespan of your equipment. These are large investments, so why not take the opportunity to get all your money’s worth?
Learning about road roller maintenance is crucial information. Any consumer looking into purchasing this type of machine should at least be knowledgeable about basic maintenance measures for its various parts. Over time, if you neglect to maintain your heavy equipment, it can quickly deteriorate and degrade compared to a well-maintained one. Road roller maintenance takes a bit of time but it can certainly be accomplished. Below are some maintenance tips you can practice for your road roller.
Daily Maintenance
Scheduling a routine check-up for your road roller can keep it running properly. The least you can do is to check the engine oil of your road roller. It’s also a good idea to inspect the coolant levels and the air filter. Without daily maintenance, you can potentially delay or completely stop your current projects. Depending on your manufacturer, they may have specifications or special features that need extra attention. Each manufacturer has recommended procedures that you need to focus on for the best results.
If you’re lost on what to do, you can opt to create a checklist to ensure that you’re covering everything. This is where you should be able to spot any worn parts or leaks. This check is inclusive of the roller’s fluid levels and the engine air filter system. You should be able to spot wear and unwanted flat spots. This could potentially leave unsightly marks on your projects if you don’t immediately address them.
Drum Maintenance
Drums that are clean and damage-free will not show any blemishes in the asphalt. Running your drum over extremely rough surfaces can damage the roller over time. Any damage sustained over periods of time can appear as missing areas during compaction. For single drum rollers, tires should be inflated to the recommended pressure for the roller to stay even. Drum maintenance shouldn’t be ignored as this is a crucial component of your road roller’s operations.
Water System Maintenance
Before starting up your road roller, you should be able to immediately spot if there are any leaks. Too much leakage can be a sign that the internal water system has problems. Immediately have this checked or get advice from your heavy equipment manufacturer. For asphalt road rollers, these also use a water system and debris can settle in the system.
Signs that point to the failure of your system can include debris in the filter cup. Rust and dirt from the filter cup can seep into the spray bars and nozzles, clogging the whole system in turn. The first line of defense is to always include the filter in the filter cup, this can protect any external elements from contaminating the water. Take note that your equipment is working in dusty environments. Keeping your filters clean is one of the best ways to prevent any problems in the water system due to the harsh work environment that it is constantly exposed to.
Shock Mount Maintenance
Your shock mount is one of the most important aspects of the vibration system and for the drive system. Depending on the type of drive system your road roller uses, your manual or manufacturer should be able to give you the appropriate sources about it. For example: if your system runs on hydraulics, it is most ideal to take good care of the hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid is prone to overheating and this can easily degrade your hoses and seals. Overheating can lead to unexpected shutdowns of your road roller. It’s best to change any hoses in an isolated environment to prevent cross-contamination.
Key Takeaway
Road rollers require attention just like any other heavy equipment. These machines can be prone to wear and tear through extensive use. Road rollers today are definitely more user-friendly and maintaining them can be a breeze as long as you’re following the right steps and guidelines according to your manufacturer’s instructions.
Extending the life of your investment can allow you to maximize your projects and get your money’s worth. Give your road roller the right treatment and it will reward you with excellent performance.