Roller Hire

Hiring a roller for your next construction, roadworks, or a landscaping project? We got you covered! From smooth drum rollers for asphalt to padfoot rollers for cohesive soils, and pneumatic rollers for surface sealing, we have the right range to suit your needs. This guide will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to hiring a roller — the types available, hire rates, additional costs, attachments and answers to frequently asked questions.

Hire Compaction Rollers from Suppliers Near You

ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Large Range of Rollers Available

From road construction to site preparation, we have a fleet of machines that will cater to your compaction needs. If your job site requires a smooth drum, padfoot or pneumatic roller, we have the perfect machine for you.
Smooth Drum Roller

Smooth Drum Rollers

Those drum rollers are designed for flattening and compacting asphalt and prepare granular soils such as gravel.

Pad Foot Roller

Padfoot Rollers

Used for the compaction of cohesive and mixed soils, with features like tapered pads for improved soil stability.

Twin Drum Roller

Double Drum Rollers

These roller are perfect for large roadworks and asphalt projects, offering double the efficiency of the conventional single-drum roller.

Multi-Tyred Roller

Multi Tyred Rollers

Utilize air filled tires that provide even pressure, ideal for surface finishing and asphalt sealing.

Trench Roller

Trench Rollers

These are remote-controlled compact rollers designed for trench work, foundations, and confined spaces where precision is required.

Combination Roller

Combination Rollers

A flexible machine with both a smooth drum and pneumatic tyres for various compaction applications.

Smooth Drum Roller

3 Point Roller​s

Heavy-duty machines with three metal drums, used mainly in road construction for compaction of large areas of soil, gravel, and asphalt.

Soil Compactor

Soil Compactors

A specialised piece of earthmoving machinery for heavy-duty compacting operations.

New Additions

Explore various models of rollers from hire companies near you.

Typical Compaction Roller Hire Rates

The roller hire cost depends on the location, type and size of the machine, and the duration of the rental period. Hourly rates start at around $150, and weekly and long-term hires usually come at discounted prices. Extra charges may apply for delivery, fuel, and personnel hire.
Roller TypeDryWet
Smooth Drum Roller$50 – $100p/h +GST
$80 – $140p/h +GST
Padfoot Roller$55 – $115p/h +GST
$85 – $145p/h +GST
Twin-Drum Roller$65 – $140p/h +GST
$110 – $175/h +GST
Pneumatic Roller$60 – $120p/h +GST
$90 – $150p/h +GST
Trench Roller$60 – $120p/h +GST
$80 – $140/h +GST
Combination Roller$65 – $140p/h +GST
$110 – $190/h +GST
3-Point Roller$70 – $155p/h +GST
$120 – $205/h +GST

Dry Hire vs Wet Hire

When it comes to hiring equipment, you are generally presented with these two options. The choice will depend on whether you possess the experience required in operating the machine you are hiring or need external assistance.
Dry Hire Businesses or individuals who have expertise operating the hire themselves may find this option suitable, where only the plant is rented.
  • If you already have trained staff, then this is the best option.
  • When you possess the knowledge necessary to operate the equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
  • If you wish to save on costs and are confident in managing the vehicle.
  • For longer-term construction projects, where hiring assistance may become expensive.
Although hiring equipment this way can be less expensive, the renter is in charge of running the unit, including any repairs or maintenance that may be required.
Wet Hire The need for both the plant and a trained controller is sometimes referred to as wet hire. This choice is ideal if you lack the staff or require someone with particular knowledge to do so.
  • When a qualified staff is unavailable.
  • When an experienced technician is needed for the range of construction jobs to guarantee efficiency and safety.
  • When you want the ease of having someone tackle short-term jobs.
  • Whether you are performing jobs that call for a certain set of skills, including negotiating challenging terrain or precise excavation.
Such rental may be more expensive, yet it offers further assurance by a qualified individual who can manage unforeseen difficulties.

Additional Hire Costs

Fuel, delivery, insurance, and accessories may incur additional hire fees based on your hire agreement. The overall cost may also be impacted by additional fees, damage waivers, and excess usage costs.

Attachments: Specialized tools, such as compaction wheels, rock breakers, or augers, might cost extra and usually range from $20 to $50 per hour.

Travel and Mobilization: Some providers charge for the time it takes for the operator to travel. If you decide to upgrade later, there can be an additional cost involved.

Minimum Hire Durations: For machinery weighing up to eight tonnes, many companies impose minimum hire durations of three hours + one hour for travel.

Penalty Rates: There may be an additional fee, often around 30%, for work done on Sundays, public holidays, or beyond regular business hours.

Since pricing might vary depending on area demand and availability, it is best to request multiple quotes for the most accurate and current rates.

Compaction Equipment Attachments

Certain roller hires come with optional attachments to improve reliability and speed up their performance. Those include blades, scrapers, water spray systems, and others.

Shell Kit — Converts a smooth drum roller into a pad foot roller for compacting cohesive soils.

Blade – Mounts on front to spread, level and grade materials before compaction.

Tow-Behind Rollers – Extra roller drums that increase the compaction area.

Water Spray System – Stops asphalt from adhering to the drum and improves the compaction quality.

Scraper Bars – Cleans excess material such as asphalt or wet soil to avoid buildup.

Rubber Mat Kits – Used on pneumatic rollers to increase traction and surface sealing.

Extension Drums – Widens the drum for more compaction coverage on large projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Roller Hire

What happens if the roller breaks down during a hire period?

Most roller hire companies across Australia provide great service, including maintenance and repairs, if the machine breaks down during the operation. If you have a breakdown, you need to notify the local branch near you immediately. Usually, they will schedule repairs or send a replacement to decrease your downtime. Review the hire agreement terms — some companies operate under specific protocols regarding breakdowns and may impose charges for downtime.

How to know which is the best roller for your job?

Choosing the right roller depends on the project and the surface. Smooth drum rollers work best with asphalt and granular materials. Pad foot rollers are go-to for cohesive soils, such as clay, making them ideal for trenching and foundations. Twin-drum rollers most-efficient on asphalt applications, while pneumatic rollers provide uniform pressure for finishing. Remote-controlled trench rollers are utilized in tight spaces.

Are the rollers suitable for road construction projects?

Absolutely, the roller compactors specially designed for road construction jobs. Smooth drum and twin-drum rollers are commonly used for compacting asphalt, producing a smooth and durable road surface. Padfoots are most effective at compacting the subgrade before asphalt is laid, particularly in cohesive soils. They are also used in roadwork where the pneumatic roller can provide uniform pressure as it is used to seal and finish.

Do I need a license to operate a drum roller?

A license is not needed for dry hire (rented out without operator), but operator safety training and certification is recommended. For wet hire, the equipment is delivered with an experienced operator qualified to operate the roller. Always ensure anyone operating the roller is competent and abides by Australian safety regulations that are in place to avoid any issues on the job site.

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Read more of our related to articles for expert advise on roller hire below. Find out everything you need to know about how to hire the right equipment for your job. Contact us to get a quote today!

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