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Tips For Renting The Right Ride-On Compactor For Your Project

Feb. 4 2021 Buying Guide By Synergy Equipment

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Renting a ride-on compactor is a great way to temporarily get the equipment you need without paying a fortune to purchase the model. Renting is a strategic choice when you only need the model for a short period of time, such as a one-off project or a sudden workload increase that exceeds your current model capacity.

But not all ride-on compactor rental options will suit your budget and project. Use the following advice to find the perfect match. If you have any questions or want to explore ride-on compactor rental options, reach out to the experts at Synergy Equipment. Our dealership proudly serves those throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Consider The Material You Are Compacting

Different ride-on compactors are well-suited for different types of materials.

Gravel and sandy soils are easier to compact, allowing you to compact thicker lifts. They pair best with a smooth drum vibratory roller. They also require about 1,900 vibrations per minute.

Silt and clay soils are harder to compact. They will need a sheepsfoot/padfoot roller. They require about 1,300 vibrations per minute.

When handling asphalt, be sure to consider the required density factor. The type of stone in the mixture will determine whether you want a pneumatic (or rubber-tired) roller, a smooth drum with vibration off, or a smooth drum with vibration on.

Don't forget to factor in the soil's moisture content. Drier soils are harder to compact, so pick the ride-on compactor accordingly.

If you are managing different soil conditions, seek out ride-on compactor rental options that offer different frequencies. Some models handle up to five frequencies, for example.

Consider The Lift Thickness

The thicker the lift, the more weight and vibratory force needed from the ride-on compactor rental.

Remember to account for the ride-on compactor rental's weight as well. A heavier machine used on a thinner lift can cause over-compaction. A lighter machine used on a thicker lift can result in it being improperly compacted.

Consider The Ideal Size Of The Ride-On Compactor Rental

When deciding the size of your ride-on compactor rental, there are two key factors to consider.

First, think about the job site. For example, a small driveway, light asphalt work, and thin base aggregate lifts will need a smaller ride-on compactor. You want to make sure your ride-on compactor rental is not too big or too small for the work area.

Second, think about how you will be transporting the ride-on compactor rental to the job site. Be sure you have equipment that can safely handle the model's weight.

Consider The Ride-On Compactor Features You Want

Finally, think about what features you want the ride-on compactor rental to include. Not all features will suit your given work site and project needs, but the right ones can make a big difference with efficiency and productivity.

Common ride-on compactor features include:

  • Dual drum amplitude and/or dual frequency outputs on vibratory models: provides impressive versatility for handling different ground materials.
  • Lighting packages, such as rotating beacons: makes working at night easier and safer.
  • Offset drum features: boosts binding when handling asphalt and generates a tighter turn radius, which is especially helpful in areas such as cul-du-sacs.
  • Foldable ROPs: help make transport easier and makes navigating work sites with low overhead clearance easier.
  • A cab: improves operator comfort and efficient, especially in more extreme weather situations.
  • Traction control: helpful for extreme grades at the work site.
  • Compaction meters: helps you identify places of over-compaction by measuring the drum rebound as it moves over an area.
  • High curb clearance: helps you more easily navigate curbs and other obstacles.

We hope you found these tips for ride-on compactor rental helpful. Remember the expert staff at Synergy Equipment is always happy to help. We can answer questions, suggest the right models for your needs, and walk you through the rental process. We strive to provide stellar customer service. Our dealerships proudly serve those throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.