How to Operate a Paving Roller

Compaction is critical for the performance and longevity of pavement. There are several means of compacting pavement, but the most efficient is with a roller. A roller is a machine that articulates in the center in order to turn and compacts materials with two large steel drums that also act as wheels. In addition to the weight of the machine, a compacter compresses pavement with vibration. The steel drums rotate forward and back while a motor inside each drum shakes. You can use a roller successfully once you understand the potential hazards.

Instructions

- 1
  Mount the compactor. Fire the engine with the ignition switch. Pull the emergency brake button. Press forward on the advance lever or pull back to move backwards. Press the vibrator button to begin shaking the drums.
- 2
  Move forward over the pavement. Operate the machine in a straight line. Reverse the machine when you reach the end of the pavement. Do not waste time turning around; simply reverse the machine and look over your shoulder. Move the machine over the width of the drums and track the machine over fresh pavement. Advance the machine forward when you reach the end of the pavement, move the machine over to fresh pavement, and track the roller in a straight line. Continue this process until you have rolled all the fresh pavement.
- 3
  Re-track the pavement. Again, roll in straight lines forward and back, moving over the width of the drums every time you change directions. Pavement must be compacted three times per inch. As a result, if your pavement is 6 inches deep, you must compact 18 times.

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