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Adds Monical, "Some contractors use smaller commercial jobs as stepping stones to larger projects. Others do a great job with the smaller jobs and are content to stay there. Before buying a new roller, it's important to know which type of contractor you are. If you're planning on moving up to even larger projects, then a higher-end midsize roller would be in order."

"Certainly, there is a direct relationship between size and cost, with more steel and a bigger engine, hydraulic system and vibratory system in larger units," Monical says. "Maintenance costs will go up, too, as contractors upgrade, but that expense is more directly proportional to use than it is to the size of the machine."

Another important question to ask is "will my new roller be compatible with my current equipment lineup?" Going up in roller size often means getting a bigger truck and trailer, and possibly a new paver. To get optimum use out of all your paving equipment requires that their capacities reasonably match.

Other considerations
Options. In terms of special "bells and whistles," manufacturers incorporate most of them as standard equipment, including ROPS and seat belts. Hamm, for example, offers only two options on its midsize units - a couple of additional work lights and a flashing beacon.

Durability. Sakai's Sirmons notes that in their search for a new roller, contractors will likely come across "cost-down" units. "The price may be attractive," he says, "but the long-run maintenance costs will more than likely make up the difference in a hurry. Make sure to buy a machine that is well built. Durability and technology can differ from model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer. Look for solid steel construction with heavy-duty components, and make sure you're getting a machine with the latest model engine that meets current CARB and EPA standards."