Nearly all construction sites need stable ground, with the soil compressed and free from underground air pockets. Roller compactors are essential for any compaction job.
The next and most essential thing you should do, which can apply to various kinds of machinery, is to maintain it properly. Whether it’s a pad foot, smooth drum, or multi-tyred roller construction equipment, they all have everyday maintenance needs.
Regardless of how low maintenance it is advertised, each piece of equipment should be checked regularly. Any smart user should know that regular maintenance can maximise the longevity and durability of any construction product.
Moreover, getting knowledge about road roller maintenance is crucial. Knowledge about essential maintenance helps you avoid compaction machine breakdowns. Here are maintenance tips you can practice for your road roller.
1. Daily Maintenance Checks
Completing a brief look-around of the machine can be an easy way to determine if something is off. A daily check of any compactor machine type will ensure it’s safe. Check for leaks, which could indicate that a hose is loose; look for loose wiring and hoses, and examine the electrical controls. Verify that none of the cables is loose if a switch isn’t working. Check that the headlights, backup alarms and warning beacons are all functioning correctly. You should also test the parking brake and inspect the center joint.
2. Check All Fluid Levels
Proper fluid levels will help keep the engine operating at peak efficiency, from carrying out the suggested oil change to ensuring you have enough coolant. To ensure all of the fluid is at the ideal level, quickly inspect the machine’s maintenance decal. You should put that decal on all of your lubrication checks. This will indicate the proper levels for the machine, and you may add fluid if necessary when you check the engine oil and coolant.
3. Keep the Drum Clean & Lubricated
A filthy or damaged drum can leave marks on the surface and mat, so it’s critical to check that the drum’s surface is free of dents and that it is clean before every usage.
Since the drums are the roller’s foundation, you should take samples and check the oil levels every week to prevent them from falling too low, which could lead to worn bearings. You should also check the oil levels in the compactors’ vibratory or oscillatory system once a week to ensure they stay high. Because it takes so long to remove the drum and replace the bearings, low oil levels will damage your bearings, which will cause considerably more downtime than simply checking the oil.
4. Check Shock Mounts
Swap out failing or torn shock mounts. These rubber components transfer the energy from the vibrating drum to the mat while isolating the operator from the vibration. This rubber rips or splits with repeated usage, so watch out for the mounts on your computer.
5. Inspect Air Filters
A dirty air filter will not do you any good. If it’s plugged up, you’re generating higher levels of exhaust than you should be. Whether a single drum roller or double drum roller, If the air filter is dirty, replace it rather than try to clean it with compressed air. Sometimes, trying to clean it can do more harm than good.
6. Check the Water System
Keep the water system in good working order to ensure your roller operates efficiently. To prevent asphalt from sticking to the drum and clogging the system, clean water from the tank should be used to lubricate it. Check the water filter to ensure there are no particles in the water.
Make sure the nozzles spray uniformly and maintain the compactor’s consistency. Regularly cleaning tanks and nozzles is essential since they might accumulate calcium or algae.
7. Adding Fuel Daily in the Night
Fueling the roller at night instead of in the morning removes air from the tank and reduces the likelihood of condensation. Moisture can add water to your fuel and cause problems. Moreover, by filling the tank at the end of each day, you ensure greater productivity immediately.
8. Monitor Drum Scrapers
A drum scraper maintains proper lubrication and retains water in the drum. If your drum scraper isn’t properly lubricated, water will leak between the drum and the scraper, causing the asphalt to begin to stick to the edges.
Make sure the drum scrapers are set adequately before beginning any work. If you plan to use the roller for longer, retract the scraper so that it does not come into contact with the drum or leave the water on it.
Closing Thoughts
The following maintenance tips help to ensure that your road rollers keep performing at their optimum level. When looking for a road roller with optimum performance among the construction equipment companies in India, CASE IN offers you a great combination. The affordable road roller price and its performance make it a great buy.
