




By Becky Schultz
Editor
There's no doubt ride-on rollers are tough machines. It's not unheard of to find units 30 years old (or more) still active in construction fleets.
Yet, even these hearty workhorses can be beaten over time due to lack of attention and/or improper operation. It's up to you and your operators to ensure you get maximum life from these machines throughout their duration in your fleet.
Maintain for maximum life
"The primary influence on the service life of the machine is maintenance," says Charlie Detrich, product support manager, Ingersoll Rand. This includes following the recommended service intervals, having trained technicians within your organization, as well as relying on authorized dealers.
Dave Dennison, heavy equipment product manager for BOMAG Americas, Inc., advises following manufacturer guidelines for service to the letter. "This allows the equipment to operate as it was engineered and results in optimum component life," he states.
It's also important to monitor the machine for signs of wear. "Periodic machine inspections should be made to identify needed repairs in their earliest stages," says Dennison. "This will ensure that minor problems do not develop into major issues that lengthen downtime."