Stop your head spinning on Oscillating Rollers!

To achieve the most precise and optimised soil compaction in your construction job, there are few choices better than an oscillatory roller.

Nothing smoothens and creates durable ground surfaces better than this top-notch compactor roller – which is why, in this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how an oscillatory roller works and functions, its uses, a few of its key pros and cons, and how it compares to other rollers.

How does an oscillatory roller work?

An oscillatory roller's primary and most unique feature is its drum, which has two shafts fitted at a 180-degree angle to each other, making the drum move back and forth rapidly. The oscillating motion helps distribute compaction forces more evenly across the surface and allows the equipment to adapt to irregular surfaces.

This type of movement ensures that the drum is in constant contact with the surface, making the soil compaction process go faster, and your work finish quicker.

Oscillatory rollers are often used as both intermediate rollers and finishing rollers. In fact, it proved so effective that it can eliminate the need to use a third roller to achieve the desired surface smoothness or reduce the required number of passes to attain the target soil densities.

What can you use an oscillatory roller for?

Oscillatory rollers are so versatile that their use extends outside the construction industry. Any industry that requires compaction work can benefit from this roller.

Some specific uses and industries for oscillatory rollers include:

Road construction: Oscillatory rollers are commonly used in road construction projects to compact the base layers of soil and aggregates and the final asphalt layer. The oscillating motion helps achieve uniform compaction and a smooth road surface.
Urban development: This roller can also be used in urban development projects, such as constructing streets and parking lots, since their ability to adapt to varying terrain and provide uniform compaction makes them valuable in urban environments.
Landfill construction: Where layers of waste material need to be compacted to minimise settling and ensure stability, oscillatory rollers come in handy with their
Railway construction: Oscillatory rollers can be employed in constructing railway tracks and their foundations, ensuring stable and well-compacted ground for the tracks.
Trench compaction: When trenches are excavated for utilities such as water pipes or electrical cables, oscillatory rollers can be employed to compact the backfill material, ensuring stability and preventing settling.
Compaction of cohesive soils: Oscillatory rollers are particularly effective in compacting cohesive or clayey soils, making them suitable for projects where other rollers may be less efficient.
Slope stabilisation: In projects involving stabilising slopes, oscillatory rollers can contribute to achieving the required compaction on inclined surfaces.

Pros and cons of an oscillatory roller

Pros	Cons
Uniform surface compaction	More expensive
Adaptability to irregular surfaces	Tends to be heavier and larger
Less vibration	Complexity of operation
Versatility in material types	Higher maintenance requirements
Reduced material sticking	Limited penetration depth
Efficiency in compacting thin layers	Greater noise levels
Minimised risk of shear stress
Energy savings

How do oscillatory rollers compare to other roller types?

Oscillating vs. vibratory rollers

Vibratory rollers employ vibration compaction while oscillating rollers use a rolling motion.
Oscillating rollers are effective for cohesive soils, whereas vibrating rollers excel with non-cohesive soils and materials.

Oscillating vs. Smooth Drum Roller

Smooth drum rollers use pressure and weight to compact materials and are better suited for projects that require a smooth and level surface.
In contrast, oscillating rollers are better suited for compacting cohesive soils.

Oscillating vs. Padfoot Roller

Sheepsfoot rollers are used for compacting soil and have a cylindrical drum with protruding feet.
Oscillating rollers are better suited for cohesive soils, while sheepsfoot rollers are better suited for non-cohesive soils and materials like gravel.

Oscillating vs. Multi-Tyred Roller or Pneumatic Roller

Pneumatic rollers use air pressure to compact materials while oscillating rollers use a rolling motion.
Pneumatic rollers are better suited for compacting materials like gravel while oscillating rollers are better suited for cohesive soils.

Making the right Roller choice for Your Compaction Job

If your goal is to produce smooth and durable ground surfaces – as well as an overall boost in site productivity – then the smart choice to make is to invest in hiring an oscillatory roller. The added benefit is that these rollers come in a variety of sizes and can be used on various applications, including paving projects, soil compaction, aggregate layering, and more, so you’ll have options in choosing the right one for your needs.

Investing in an oscillatory roller is a great way to increase your site progress while enjoying long-term cost savings – so if you’ve made your choice, contact the team at iseekplant today to get access to our vast network of suppliers for top-quality oscillatory rollers for hire. Since we’re Australia’s #1 digital construction marketplace, you can connect to the right partners for plant hire needs and other construction services.

For personalised assistance, project advice or to explore your compaction 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.