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Find the right asphalt rollers with Ritchie Bros.
Asphalt rollers—also known as road compactors or paving rollers—play one of the most critical roles in road construction and paving projects. Their purpose is simple but essential: to compact and stabilize asphalt, soil, or aggregate layers to achieve a smooth, durable surface that can handle heavy traffic loads for years. Whether it’s a new highway, a municipal road, or a commercial parking lot, asphalt rollers ensure the foundation is solid and long-lasting.
These machines are most commonly seen working alongside pavers and milling equipment on highway projects, city infrastructure improvements, and airport runways. Contractors rely on asphalt rollers to achieve proper density and eliminate air voids in the asphalt mat—critical to preventing cracking and premature wear. The result is a surface that resists deformation, provides better traction, and extends the lifespan of the pavement.
Across our auctions you’ll regularly see a range of asphalt rollers for sale—from large double-drum compactors for major highway construction to versatile pneumatic and combination rollers for finishing work. Understanding the differences between these machines helps buyers select the right roller for their specific paving application.
Types of asphalt rollers
Asphalt rollers come in several configurations, each designed to handle a specific compaction task or surface condition. Below are the four primary types in this category.
Double Drum Rollers
Double drum rollers are the most recognized type of asphalt roller compactor. They use two steel drums—front and rear—to compress the asphalt simultaneously. This dual-drum design delivers high compaction efficiency and a smooth, uniform finish which Ideal for large, flat surfaces such as highways and airport runways.
Pneumatic Rollers
Pneumatic (rubber-tired) rollers use air-filled tires instead of steel drums. These machines excel at intermediate compaction and sealing of asphalt mixes. The flexible tires knead the material rather than vibrate it, improving interlayer bonding and minimizing voids.
Combination Rollers
Combination rollers merge the features of double drum and pneumatic designs—typically a steel drum in front with rubber tires at the rear—delivering both vibration compaction and kneading action in one pass. They are efficient for finishing work, patching, and smaller paving jobs where surface smoothness and density are equally important.
3 Wheel Rollers
3 wheel rollers are among the oldest designs in compaction, known for simple mechanics and steady performance. With a single large steel drum up front and two smaller drums at the rear, they apply high static pressure ideal for finishing asphalt surfaces. While newer designs offer advanced features, 3 wheel rollers remain valued for reliability, ease of operation, and smooth results on maintenance or low-traffic projects.
Each type serves a specific role in the compaction process; the right choice depends on job size, surface requirements, and mix design. Our marketplace routinely features everything from high-frequency double drums to dependable pneumatic models so buyers can match a road compactor machine to their exact needs.
The best asphalt roller brand
The “best” often comes down to what your operation values most—durability, precision, productivity, operator comfort, or long-term resale value. Respected OEMs in road compactors include Caterpillar, Hamm, Dynapac, Volvo, Bomag, and Ammann, each with distinct strengths:
- Caterpillar: robust build quality and intuitive controls; balanced performance and reliability.
- Hamm (Wirtgen Group): efficient vibration systems and ergonomic cabs; strong compaction quality.
- Dynapac: precision engineering and productivity; favored where surface quality is paramount.
- Volvo: consistent performance and smooth drum motion; strong productivity metrics.
- Bomag: proven compaction technology and durability across a wide model range.
- Ammann: intelligent compaction options and fuel-efficient operation.
Buying through a large marketplace lets you compare brands side by side, review specs, and leverage inspection details. Whether you need a high-capacity asphalt roller for sale for highway work or a compact road compactor for sale for patching and resurfacing, a broad selection helps you find the right fit for your fleet.
What are pavement rollers?
The term pavement roller is often used interchangeably with asphalt roller or road compactor. In asphalt work, the roller’s job is to achieve target density in the mat without causing cracks or displacement. Depending on the machine, this is accomplished via vibration, static pressure, or kneading action.
Modern paving rollers may include variable vibration frequencies, onboard measurement, and operator-assist features to monitor compaction in real time. These innovations improve quality and consistency while reducing passes and fuel consumption—key drivers of project efficiency.
Proper compaction directly impacts lifecycle costs and pavement performance: minimizing rutting and cracking, reducing maintenance, and delivering smoother rides over the long term.
A variety of asphalt rollers to buy
It’s easier than ever to source quality asphalt rollers and road compactors from leading manufacturers. With transparent pricing, detailed inspections, and convenient online bidding, buyers can confidently acquire equipment that fits their specs and budget. Whether you’re expanding your paving fleet or replacing an older unit, explore current listings to find both new and used asphalt rollers for sale—supported by the reach and reliability of a global heavy equipment marketplace.