How to Choose Between a Single and a Double Drum Roller

Ammann ARX 26-2 Tandem Roller

Drum rollers use static pressure, vibration, and impact to compact materials such as gravel, rocks, sand, and asphalt. Smooth rollers or vibratory rollers are primarily used to make flat and smooth roads. They are one of the most common types of road rollers available for rent. Smooth rollers typically come in two models: single-drum rollers and double-drum rollers. For large projects requiring ground preparation, drum rollers may prove useful. Here is a quick guide on when you should use a single drum roller vs a double drum roller.

Single Drum Roller

Single drums are smooth rollers with a steel giant wheel at the front and pneumatic tires at the back. It is also known as a road roller or steamroller. It has excellent traction thanks to its sturdy tires. Drivers sit in the center section of a single drum roller. This part is called the cab. Drivers can see the surrounding area well from its high vantage point. This allows them to see exactly where they should use the roller.

A single drum roller is a great choice for a couple of applications. The roller is smaller than the double drum roller. Single drum machines fit in tighter spaces because of their sleek size. Single drum rollers are ideal for preparation work. You can easily level the ground for a sidewalk or driveway. In addition to creating foundations for buildings, these devices are also used for highway paving. The front of single-drum rollers is heavier than the back, which houses the drum. It won’t be able to roll over some ground surfaces as a result of its extra weight. Due to its rear wheels, the roller has good maneuverability considering its size.

Double Drum Roller

Unlike the single-drum roller, the twin-drum roller has two steel drums, one at the front and one at the back. This means that the roller is moved forwards and backwards by the drums, not the tires. This type of machine lacks tires, which means it has poor traction. 

When using a double drum roller, you can smooth objects in front of and behind the driver at the same time. By flattening items in the surrounding area, the drums move while moving the roller. Due to this, double drum rollers do not have the same traction as single drum rollers. These vehicles aren’t intended for specialized work. It is best for them to operate on flat services or ones with gradual grades.

Dual drum rollers are highly efficient and powerful. Double the area is flattened and prepared by steering twin drums across the field. As a result, your project is more efficient. Double drum rollers are fantastic for asphalt because they provide that extra coverage. Pavers are capable of smoothing entire sections of highway quickly and accurately. Paving begins with flattening the ground with a double drum roller. The roller levels the pavement after the pouring phase. 

Double drum rollers rely on a pair of metal drums for their power. Most substances can be driven over by these devices, which weigh over a ton. Surfaces can be prepared and improved with drum rollers. All you have to do is pick the right one. For heavy-duty asphalt applications, the double drum roller is your best choice. Other jobs are better handled by a single drum roller.

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