Soil Compactor

A soil compactor, or single-drum roller compactor, is a heavy construction machine used to press soil, asphalt and gravel to make the ground stable. On this page, you can find 8 models with prices ranging from ₹ 84 Lakh to ₹ 86 Lakh.
Many different brands offer soil compactor models in India, including JCB, L&T, LiuGong and Escorts. Some of the most popular models in this category are JCB VM117, ACE ASD 115, Hamm 119i and L&T 1190.

A soil compactor machine is used to compress and flatten loose ground, soil, sand or clay to make it solid and stable for construction. Therefore, this equipment is primarily used in roads, highways, and building construction.

A soil compactor has a large steel drum at the front and two large rubber tyres at the back. Because of this drum at the front, it is also called a singledrum roller.

How Does a Soil Compactor Work?

Since soil has air and loose spaces, constructing a road directly on top of it will cause the ground to sink or crack. To remove this air and loose spaces, single drum rollers use static force.

This roller uses three types of forces to compress the soil:

1. Static Weight: The machine's own weight, usually 10 to 12 metric tons in India, puts pressure on the ground.
2. Dynamic Vibration: The front drum vibrates rapidly with the help of an internal rotating weight. This vibration loosens the soil particles, allowing them to settle closer together and form a firm surface.
3. Impact Force: The vibrating drum repeatedly hits the ground, helping push out trapped air and compact the soil more deeply.

Main Parts of a Soil Compactor

• Front Steel Drum: The front drum does the main compaction work. It can have a Smooth Drum for sand, gravel and loose soil. For sticky clay, it can use a Padfoot / Sheepfoot Shell, which has raised metal pads to press the soil firmly.
• Rear Pneumatic Tires: These tyres help the roller move across the site. They also provide better grip on soft, uneven and sloping ground.
• Articulated Joint: This joint connects the front and rear sections of the roller. It allows both sections to turn, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
• Vibratory System: A hydraulic motor rotates weights inside the drum to create vibrations. The operator can switch between high and low vibration settings based on the soil type and compaction depth.

Types of Soil Compactors in India

There are two types of soil compactors in India:

Smooth Drum Compactor

A smooth drum compactor is commonly used for compacting sand, gravel and crushed stone. Its heavy steel drum and vibration help press loose soil and aggregate together.

It gives the ground a flat and even finish, making it suitable for highway construction, parking lots and airport runways. However, it is not a good choice for sticky clay soils.

Sheepsfoot (Spike Foot / Padfoot) Compactor

A sheepsfoot compactor, also called a padfoot compactor, is used for compacting sticky soil such as clay and silt. Its steel drum has raised metal pads that press deep into the soil. As the drum moves, these pads knead the soil and help remove air gaps. 

Sheepfoot compactor is commonly used for building dams, road embankments and canal banks. However, it leaves a rough surface that may need further finishing.

Popular Soil Compactors in India

Here are the top 5 soil compactor rollers in India with their price and specifications:

Applications of Soil Compactor

• Road Construction: Soil compactors make the roadbed firm before asphalt or concrete is laid. This ensures that vehicles, such as cars, buses and heavy trucks, can run and roll over the road without the surface sinking down easily.
• Building Foundations: Contractors use soil compactors at foundation sites to make sure the ground can support the weight of the building.
• Railway Projects: Soil compactors compact the earthwork under railway lines. This helps to minimise ground movement during heavy train movement.
• Soil Compressors: On farms, soil compactors are utilised to compact muddy and uneven farm roads. This makes it easier for tractors and harvesters to move around.
• Canal Construction: Soil compactors help build firm canal banks by compacting the earth used in their construction. This decreases the risk of banks eroding or reshaping.

Why Choose InfraJunction for Soil Compactors?

At InfraJunction, you can explore a wide range of soil compactors in one place. Check their prices, specifications and features to find a model that suits your project needs.

You can also compare soil compactors based on operating weight, engine power, drum width and other key specifications. Use the EMI calculator to check your monthly payments and find nearby soil compactor dealers to get more details. Explore different models and choose the one that fits your work requirements and budget.