Walk-behind rollers are a staple of equipment rental yards, meaning there is a massive market for used machines. However, buying a used roller from a rental fleet requires a cynical eye. These machines are often rented to inexperienced operators who run them dry, slam them into curbs, and ignore basic maintenance. When I am evaluating a used piece of iron for my fleet, I look past the fresh coat of paint and focus on the wear parts.
First, I inspect the drums. A new drum has a perfectly flat face with slightly beveled edges to prevent gouging the asphalt. If the edges are heavily mushroomed or jagged, it means the machine has been repeatedly driven into concrete curbs or steel road plates. I also take a straightedge across the width of the drum; if it bows inward in the center, the steel has worn thin, and it will never leave a flat finish on asphalt again.
Next, I look at the articulation joint and the shock mounts. The rubber isolators that separate the vibrating drum from the engine chassis take a massive beating. If they are cracked, dry-rotted, or sagging, the vibration will transfer directly into the engine, shaking the carburetor to pieces and causing severe hand-arm vibration for the operator. Finally, I check for hydraulic leaks around the drive motors on the sides of the drums. A weeping seal might look minor, but replacing a hydrostatic drive motor is a massive, expensive overhaul. A thorough inspection saves you from buying a very heavy paperweight.
