What is a sheepsfoot roller? 

Well, a sheepsfoot roller is a compaction machine that we call a padfoot roller on iseekplant. It's also known as a tramping foot roller (in Canada, maybe). We also have other types of rollers on iseekplant - including multi-tyred rollers, and smooth drum rollers. We also have other types of compaction equipment, including soil compactors.

A sheepsfoot roller is just one type of heavyweight compactor that’s primarily used for compacting materials such as soil, clay and mud to create a stable base for buildings, roads, runways, and other infrastructures.  

How do sheepsfoot rollers work?

The sheepsfoot roller is named after its cylindrical-shaped drum that has evenly spaced protrusions similar to the hooves of a sheep. These "hooves" are designed to create a kneading effect to increase the soil's density and capacity to support greater loads or pressure.

Sheepsfoot rollers are usually mounted on a tractor body, in a ride-on or pull-behind structure and come in as either a static or vibratory model. The static roller version depends on the weight of the drum and soil control at the foot, while the vibratory model uses force and dynamic compression and compacts more quickly than the static version.

Common characteristics

This heavy compactor machinery comes in various sizes in weight, length, drum width, balance capacity, manoeuvrability, number of legs, and so on. Some of the common characteristics of a sheepsfoot roller usually include:

• Generated pressure is up to 1400 to 7000 mph
• Base roller work speed at 6-10 km/h.
• 8–12% ground cover under the drum lugs.
• Compacting soil layer of thickness is at a minimum of 50 mm (2 inches), depending on length of foot 
• Mostly used on cohesive soils such as heavy and silty clay.

What can I use a sheepsfoot roller for?

Sheepsfoot rollers are primarily used in the construction industry but can also be used in other industries that require soil compaction. Some of the most common uses of a sheepsfoot roller are:

• Road construction
• Dams 
• Embankments
• Landfill compaction
• Agricultural land preparation
• Railroad
• Pavements

Advantages of sheepsfoot rollers

Increased load-bearing capacity

Sheepsfoot rollers help improve soil density, thereby increasing its load-bearing capacity. Since it boosts the load capacity and enhances the soil foundation's longevity, it reduces the soil surface's need for constant maintenance.

Depth and speed of compaction

The sheepsfoot roller’s "feet" push greater depths for a more secured foundation and typically move quicker because of the combination of the drums and feet.

Manoeuvrability and gradeability

Compared to other rollers, the sheepsfoot is more manoeuvrable and has higher level of gradeability. They can also operate in tighter or narrower spaces than your typical larger rollers with heftier drums.

How are sheepsfoot rollers different from other types of rollers?

Sheepsfoot vs. smooth drum rollers

Sheepsfoot rollers have pads on the drum that help to create a kneading effect and are particularly effective at compacting cohesive soils. On the other hand, smooth drum rollers have no pads on the drum, so they do not create a kneading effect but instead rely solely on their weight to achieve compaction. Smooth rollers tend to be smaller and lighter than padfoot and sheepsfoot rollers.

Sheepsfoot vs. pneumatic tyred rollers

Pneumatic tyred rollers have a series of tires on the drum that help to create a kneading effect and are particularly effective at compacting granular soils. Sheepsfoot and padfoot rollers, on the other hand, are more suited for cohesive soils. Pneumatic tyred rollers are larger and more expensive than padfoot and sheepsfoot rollers.

Looking to Hire quality sheepsfoot rollers? 

If you require high-quality sheepsfoot rollers for your roadworks, you can find the exact piece of machinery you need from iseekplant’s online marketplace where you can have access to our extensive network of suppliers and find the service you need.

So don't lose your chance at a great first impression: take advantage of using one the best pieces of machinery for your roadworks today!

For personalised assistance, project advice or to explore your equipment options, reach out to us at projects@iseekplant.com.au or dial 1300 691 912. When you’re ready to boost your project’s efficiency with quality pad foot rollers, simply click 'Get a Quote' and let iseekplant streamline your equipment hire process.