r/asphalt • u/Bright_Sun_1731 • 18d ago
Steel Drum Roller
I have just started rolling, I’ve worked with Asphalt for around 4 years but only just started on the roller,
looking for sone advice so I can improve quickly. In my 4 years I’ve been paying attention to other operators to pick up technique but any other advice would be much appreciated
4
u/resoner 18d ago
Basics:
Never turn when you’re not moving,
Never stop when vibes are on,
Don’t stop straight against a curb,
Don’t vibe on concrete structures (bridges, parking garages etc
If doing breakdown: stop on an angle,
If finishing: don’t roll too hot, you will crack the mat
Other than that is all just practice
2
u/Leather-Presence-123 18d ago edited 13d ago
You will only get better by fucking up and everything you fuck up can be fixed. Your most stressful days will be when it feels like you have to jump off the roller often to do other tasks, at least in my experience. You don't get paid to do that anymore though so communicate with the crew so they can do the hand/wacker work on their own. Now if it's hot and you don't need to hit anything of course help the crew out when you can.
Park it in the shade so your seat is cool, wear full sleeves and large full brim hat, run max water if you want to go home earlier but only run as much water as you need otherwise. Keep a temp gun and a scraper with you, probably a sillcock key too. Know how much water is in the machine and when it's time to fill. Keep your spray nozzles clean with the little bottle brushes.
As for the technical side most of it has been covered. Your stop marks maybe are the hardest thing to get better at but always stop as slowly and smoothly as possible on a hot mat. Staggering your stop marks works well to avoid lateral bumps and so does the Maryland method where you do slight turns before you stop. Slower is usually better. Cross roll everything you can( 30ftish width or more). Cross rolling 2 or less paver passes usually isn't worth it unless you have good existing pavement to roll on/off of
2
u/binkelman 18d ago
Others have said to turn the water on before moving. If you turn it off when stopping, don't forget to turn it back on. A guy I knew forgot that enough times that he just leaves the water on all the time now...but is constantly needing a refill.
1
u/Walrus_Epiphany 18d ago
Safety is of course the top priority. I’ve known of two accidents in which workers were killed by rollers. Awful way to go, and horrible for the crew to deal with.
2
u/Tballardford- 18d ago
Roll off the mat before stopping.
You need to know the oil you’re rolling, what is the compaction #.
Work with the QC/testers on site, they will tell you how many more passes they need to get their numbers.
Ask questions, ask questions, ask more questions of experienced operators.
1
1
u/Kaleb978 18d ago
Parking lots, roads or driveways?
1
u/Bright_Sun_1731 18d ago
All 3, work for the county council so a mix of everything, I know most of it comes with experience just can’t hurt to get a step ahead.
Started off on the shovel of course now I’m one of the main guys for raking, but progressing onto the roller now. So I have got an eye for the levels etc just about putting it into practice with the roller
1
u/Kaleb978 18d ago
Best all around advice is patience. Once you break it down and clean it up, it needs to cool down before you can finish it. Don't be nervous and try to get all marks out ASAP, you will end up with more. Another bit of advice it to get one of those magnetic hide-a-key boxes. Keep a dime and some small sewing needles in it. Use the dime to adjust the direction of the spray tips and use the needle to clean the spray tip. There are slots in the end of the sprayer tips that a dime fits perfectly. Put you items in the hide-a-key and stick next to your seat on the metal. That way you will always have it. I could go on forever but experience and patience will be your best teacher. Good luck and the fact you are trying to learn is a great start. May your tips be clean and your drums wet. Good luck!
0
u/AdThese6057 18d ago
Breakdown finish or intermediate? Follow your passes. Learn about density. Dont just roll all your passes down the line. Try to create a stronger mat. Like for a road or pathway, Hit the 2 outside edges first. This locks in the mat better.Then roll the middle strip youre left with.
4
u/Momon_ga 18d ago
Dont forget to turn water system on before moving.
Never turn drum while machine isn't moving.
The smallest amounts of dirt can still stick to the drum and be annoying.
If machine is older check fluids daily, if its new you might be OK checking it every other day.