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Any time you dig a trench or excavate an area for a driveway, foundation, floor, etc., compacting the soil is an essential part of that task. And since getting a good base is critical to any finished project, it's important to select the right compaction tool for the job.

Trench rollers and carrier-mounted attachments (such as those for excavators or backhoe-loaders) are popular choices for these particular compaction jobs. Both options offer the ability to keep workers out of harm's way by keeping them out of the trench or any area where there is the potential for cave-ins.

Remote and radio control of trench rollers enables workers to operate the machine from a safe distance. "The mobility and wireless remote allow for operators to compact [the soil] while following safety regulations and staying outside of trenches," says Fabian Salinas, Dynapac.

In the case of an attachment mounted on the end of a boom, no one has to enter the trench, minimizing the risk of accidents, adds Carsten Soltau, Stehr Baumaschinen GmBh.

Beyond that similarity, each option offers advantages for a particular application. When evaluating which is right for your job, assess soil conditions, the size of the job and your existing fleet.