How much does it cost to hire a smooth drum roller in Australia?

The cost to hire a smooth drum roller in Australia varies depending on its size and model, as well as the duration of the hire. On average, the price range falls between $150 to $500 per day for dry hire, though wet hire rates can be notably higher due to the inclusion of an operator. Get a customised quote from one of our suppliers today with our <a href="https://www.iseekplant.com.au/get-rates">Get a Quote tool</a>!

What is a smooth drum roller, and what is it used for?

A smooth drum roller is a heavy construction equipment equipped with a large, smooth, cylindrical drum. It's primarily used to compact soil, gravel, concrete or asphalt in constructing roads and foundations.

Can I hire a smooth drum roller with an operator, or is it available for dry hire only?

Yes, you can hire a smooth drum roller both ways: with an operator (known as wet hire) or without an operator (referred to as dry hire). The choice largely depends on your project requirements and your familiarity with operating the machinery.

Are there specific Australian standards or regulations for operating a smooth drum roller?

Operating a smooth drum roller in Australia requires adherence to specific standards and regulations, such as the 'Work Health and Safety Regulations' and following the codes provided by Safe Work Australia. Operators often need a 'High Risk Work Licence' classified under roller operations, mandated by the state's respective Work Health and Safety Authority. These regulations ensure the safe and proficient use of the equipment, safeguarding both the operator and the work environment.

Do I need any special licenses or qualifications to operate a smooth drum roller in Australia?

While you don't necessarily need a specific license to operate a smaller smooth drum roller, for larger rollers, you'll require a Roller/Compactor ticket or VOC (Verification of Competency). It's also recommended to have training or experience for safety and efficiency purposes.

How do smooth drum rollers compare to padfoot rollers in terms of application?

Smooth drum rollers are ideal for compacting granular soils and asphalt, delivering a smooth finish. In contrast, <a href="https://www.iseekplant.com.au/pad-foot-roller-hire">pad foot</a> or sheepfoot rollers are better suited for cohesive soils like clay, as their padded feet provide more aggressive compaction, effectively kneading and compressing the soil.

When are smooth drum rollers used?

Smooth drum rollers are primarily used for compacting granular and non-cohesive materials where a smooth, even surface finish is required. They are widely applied in road construction, asphalt paving, and large flat areas. Common applications of smooth drum rollers <ul> <li>Asphalt compaction: Final rolling to achieve a dense, smooth surface on roads, car parks, and driveways</li> <li>Granular base layers: Sand, gravel, or crushed rock before laying asphalt or concrete</li> <li>Large flat surfaces: Airports, industrial yards, and paved areas where uniform compaction is needed</li> <li>Finishing passes: After padfoot or other heavy rollers have compacted underlying layers</li> </ul> Smooth drum rollers are ideal when surface uniformity, density, and durability are essential, particularly for final layers and non-cohesive soils.

Can smooth drum rollers compact soil?

Yes, smooth drum rollers can compact soil, but they are most effective on granular, non-cohesive soils such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock. They rely on static weight and vibration to achieve uniform density and a smooth finish. Key points about soil compaction with smooth drum rollers <ul> <li>Best soil types: Sandy or loose soils; less effective on sticky, clay-rich soils</li> <li>Layering: Thick layers may need multiple passes or reduced layer thickness for optimal compaction</li> <li>Vibration assistance: Vibratory smooth drum rollers increase efficiency and penetration in granular soils</li> <li>Surface finish: Provides an even, smooth surface suitable for road base or subgrades</li> </ul> For cohesive soils like clay, a padfoot roller is generally preferred for initial compaction, with smooth drum rollers used later for finishing.

Do smooth drum rollers need water?

Yes, smooth drum rollers often use water spray systems during compaction, especially when working with asphalt or granular materials, to prevent material sticking and improve surface finish. Key points about water use with smooth drum rollers <ul> <li>Asphalt compaction: Water on the drum prevents hot asphalt from adhering to the roller surface</li> <li>Granular soils: Spraying water can help bind fine particles and reduce dust</li> <li>Spray systems: Most modern rollers have onboard water tanks and spray nozzles for continuous application</li> <li>Surface finish: Proper water application ensures a smooth, uniform finish and avoids tearing or scuffing the material</li> </ul> Water use is adjusted based on material type, temperature, and environmental conditions to optimise compaction and surface quality.

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683 Smooth Drum Rollers for Hire on iseekplant

In Australia's construction industry, smooth drum rollers have firmly cemented their place as essential equipment for ground compaction. At iseekplant, we proudly offer a vast fleet of 683 smooth drum rollers, encompassing a diverse range of sizes and brands, tailored to meet the unique demands of projects nationwide.

Whether it's roadwork, site preparation or residential construction, our expansive selection ensures contractors can find the perfect fit for their requirements. In this guide, let's look at standard smooth drum roller hire rates; sizes, specs and brands; aggregates perfect for smooth drum rollers; and alternatives on our platform.

Smooth Drum Roller Hire Rates Guide

Smooth drum rollers are vital machinery in the construction industry, especially when compacting surfaces such as asphalt or granular materials. When hiring a smooth drum roller, it's important to consider various factors that influence the rates, from the roller's size and capacity to the duration of the hire period.

Smooth Drum Roller Hire Rates (Average)

Roller Size/Type	Dry Hire Rate (per day)	Wet Hire Rate (per day)
1.5 - 3 Tonne	$150 - $250	$320 - $500
4 - 5 Tonne	$200 - $340	$380 - $570
7 - 9 Tonne	$320 - $470	$520 - $750
10 - 12 Tonne	$380 - $520	$590 - $820
13 Tonne & Above	$450 - $700	$670 - $950

Note: Rates vary depending on the machine's age, brand and location within Australia. All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD.

Additional Costs to Consider When Hiring a Smooth Drum Roller

The base hire rate is just one part of the total cost when hiring a smooth drum roller. Here are additional expenses you might encounter while hiring a smooth drum roller:

Additional Cost	Standard Rate	Description
Operator Charges	$70 - $90/hr	If you opt for wet hire, the operator's cost is typically included but can vary based on experience.
Fuel Costs	$3 - $5/L	Depending on the roller's fuel efficiency and the project's duration.
Transport/Delivery Fees	$100 - $500	Varies based on distance to the job site and the size of the roller.
Maintenance Fees	Varies	For longer-term hires, periodic maintenance might be an additional cost.

Always ensure you clarify these potential extra charges with the hire company to avoid unforeseen expenses. Get an accurate and customised estimate today with our Get a Quote tool and connect with our network of suppliers!

Sizes, Specs, and Brands of Common Smooth Drum Rollers

When considering the rental of smooth drum rollers, it's vital to understand the various brands available and what differentiates them. Quality, reliability and efficiency differ among brands, which makes informed choices crucial.

Let's take a closer look at the leading brands in the industry:

Caterpillar (CAT): Caterpillar is a globally renowned brand known for its durability and top-notch performance. Their rollers are designed for optimum compaction and versatility.
Bomag: Recognised for their advanced technology, Bomag offers rollers that reduce vibrations, ensuring smoother surface finishes.
Volvo: Volvo prioritises operator comfort and efficiency. Their rollers come with state-of-the-art monitoring systems for effective operations.
Dynapac: Dynapac rollers stand out due to their low operational costs, easy maintenance, and excellent compaction capacities.

This table provides details on popular models from these brands, including a quick overview of their specs, pros and cons:

Sizes	Brands	Notable Models	Quick Specs	Pros	Cons
Small	Caterpillar	CB24B	Drum width: 1200 mm	Perfect for tight spaces and urban projects	Less effective for larger areas
Medium	Bomag	BW 120 AD-5	Drum width: 1200 mm	Ideal balance of size and power	Mid-range price
Large	Volvo	DD128C	Drum width: 2100 mm	Suitable for extensive construction sites	Consumes more fuel
Large	Dynapac	CA2500D	Drum width: 2130 mm	High compaction efficiency	Might require skilled operators

Key Considerations When Choosing Smooth Drum Rollers

Hiring a smooth drum roller is the first step. Still, it's essential to weigh certain factors that significantly affect your projects' efficiency, cost and outcome. These are not just about the immediate specifications of the machine but also about its long-term performance and impact on your operations.

Here are some pivotal considerations to keep in mind to help you decide:

Operational Features: Details like the amplitude and frequency of vibration can significantly impact compaction results. Considering the type of soil or material you're compacting, you might prioritise certain features.
Fuel Efficiency: Given the rising fuel prices and environmental concerns, understanding the fuel efficiency of different models can help in long-term cost savings and eco-friendly operations.
Maintenance and Parts Availability: Brands with easily available parts and established dealer networks can ensure minimal downtime during your project, saving time and money.

This information should help you choose the right smooth drum roller, ensuring your project's success.

Aggregates Best Suited to Smooth Drum Rollers

Smooth drum rollers are pivotal in ensuring the stability of various aggregates in construction projects. However, the compaction process largely depends on selecting the right aggregate.

The following aggregates work best when compacted with smooth drum rollers:

Asphalt: Asphalt is a common choice for road surfaces. Smooth drum rollers seal the asphalt, providing a smooth and durable surface.
Gravel: Especially when used in roadbeds, the coarse nature of gravel requires the robust compaction that smooth drum rollers offer.
Sand: Due to its fine granules, sand can shift and settle easily. Smooth drum rollers ensure it remains compact and stable, especially in foundational layers.
Crushed Stone: Often used for driveways and paths, crushed stone benefits from the intense pressure of smooth drum rollers to lock it into place.
Soil: Not all soil types, but primarily clay-rich soils, are compacted well with smooth drum rollers, making them ideal for creating stable ground for structures.

The table below shows where best to use these aggregates and explains why:

Aggregate	Best Suited For	Why?
Asphalt	Road surfaces	Seals asphalt, providing a smooth, durable finish.
Gravel	Roadbeds, foundational layers	Offers robust compaction for coarse material.
Sand	Foundational layers, fill areas	Settles fine granules, ensuring stability.
Crushed Stone	Driveways, walking paths	Applies intense pressure to lock stones in place.
Soil (clay-rich)	Stable ground for structures, road foundations	Ensures compactness in clay-rich soils.

Alternative Rollers & Compaction Equipment on iseekplant

When you need ground compaction but are unsure if a smooth drum roller fits the bill, exploring other options is vital. From vibrating rollers to padfoot rollers, each type of roller or compaction equipment offers unique advantages based on the terrain and the specific job requirements.

These alternatives might work better for your project than a smooth drum roller:

Vibratory Roller: Used primarily for soil and asphalt compaction. Its main advantage is its adjustable vibration modes, making it adaptable to various materials.
Padfoot Roller: Specially designed for cohesive soils like clay. It utilises lugs to create a kneading action, making it particularly effective for silty and clayey terrains.
Pneumatic Tyred Roller: Known for its adaptability, it can be used on sealed and unsealed surfaces. This roller offers a kneading action and is excellent for compacting asphalt layers and granular materials.
Tandem Roller: Primarily used for asphalt compaction. It stands out for its two steel drums, ensuring a smoother finish on surfaces.
Grid Roller: An ideal choice for crushing rocks in road constructions and working on rocky terrains. Its heavy weight provides a robust compaction force but is less effective on fine-grained soils.

Quick Comparison Table

Alternative	Application	Pros	Cons	Vs. Smooth Drum Rollers
Vibratory Roller	Used for both soil and asphalt compaction.	Can compact a wide range of materials; adjustable vibration modes.	Might not be effective on very cohesive soils.	Offers vibration, whereas smooth drum rollers might not.
Padfoot Roller	Best for cohesive soils like clay.	Designed with lugs for kneading action; ideal for silty and clayey soils.	Not suitable for granular soils.	Smooth drum is for non-cohesive soils; padfoot is for cohesive.
Pneumatic Tyred Roller	Asphalt layers and granular materials compaction.	Adaptable to both sealed and unsealed surfaces; offers kneading action.	Less effective on cohesive soils.	Smooth drum provides consistent pressure; pneumatic provides variable.
Tandem Roller	Typically used for asphalt compaction.	Compacts with two steel drums; ideal for smoother finishes.	Not suitable for soil compaction	Smooth drum is versatile; tandem is primarily for asphalt.
Grid Roller	Crushes rocks in road constructions and rocky terrains.	Heavy weight provides strong compaction force.	Not ideal for fine-grained soils.	Smooth drum offers finer compaction; grid offers coarser compaction.

Ready to Roll? Find the Perfect Smooth Drum Roller for Hire Today!

Finding the right compaction equipment can be tricky with an ocean of options, but it doesn't have to slow your project down. At iseekplant, we're dedicated to making the process smooth and hassle-free for you.

With access to a vast array of smooth drum rollers and alternative compaction equipment, not to mention our cranes, dozers, excavators and tractors suppliers, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your project's unique needs!

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