In my years of running crews, I’ve learned that the cheapest machine often ends up being the most expensive one once you factor in downtime. When you're looking at rollers (compaction rollers), you need to categorize them by the scale of the "lift" you're trying to pack down.
1. Small/Compact Rollers (The Utility Players)
For tight spaces, residential trenches, or patch work, you’re looking at 0.5 to 3-ton (approx. 1,100 to 6,600 lbs) units. These range from manual walk-behind double-drum rollers to small ride-on units.
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Price Range: $800 to $10,000+ (£600 to £8,000).
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The Breakdown: I’ve seen entry-level 0.8-ton (approx. 1,760 lbs) walk-behind double-drum rollers go for as low as $700–$800 for basic models, though higher-end versions with better centrifugal force will climb quickly from there.
2. Mid-Size Rollers (The Bread and Butter)
This is where most road-building and parking lot contractors live. We’re talking 6 to 20-ton (approx. 13,200 to 44,000 lbs) machines.
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Price Range: $15,000 to $30,000+ (£11,000 to £23,000).
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The Breakdown: A solid 14-ton (approx. 30,800 lbs) tandem vibratory roller usually sits in that $15k to $28k sweet spot depending on the hydraulic setup and cab options.
3. Large Scale Heavyweights (The Infrastructure Kings)
If you’re prepping a highway sub-base, you need mass. These are machines over 20 tons (44,000 lbs).
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Price Range: $40,000 to well over $150,000 (£30,000 to £115,000+).
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The Breakdown: A specialized 30-ton (approx. 66,000 lbs) pneumatic tire roller (rubber-tired roller) is a serious investment, often reaching deep into six figures for the latest Tier 4 or Tier 5 engine configurations and smart compaction tech.
What Drives the Price?
In my experience, three things dictate that final invoice:
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The Specs: You pay for the "guts." Advanced vibration systems, high-flow hydraulics, and pressurized water systems for asphalt work aren't cheap.
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New vs. Used: A used machine with 2,000 hours might save you 40%, but you’ve got to check the drum wear and articulation joints.
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Market Fluctuations: Just like lumber or steel, the supply chain hits us too. When infrastructure bills pass, demand spikes and prices follow.
Pro Tips for the Buy
If you're in the market, don't just look at the paint. Know your job requirements first—don't buy a 14-tonner if a 3-ton ride-on does the job easier. Always do a field test, especially on used gear; check for hydraulic leaks and listen to the pump under load. And for heaven's sake, get a solid contract that outlines the warranty or "as-is" terms.
