Roller inspection
Pre-Purchase Inspection

Pre-Purchase Roller Inspections

Drum damage, vibration system failures, and engine problems can sideline a roller fast. Get independent verification before you buy.

✓ Nationwide Coverage ✓ Independent & Unbiased ✓ 24-48 hours Turnaround

Buying a Used Roller Without an Inspection?

Rollers pound pavement and soil for thousands of hours — the constant vibration takes a toll on drums, bearings, engines, and hydraulics. A roller that looks solid can be hiding worn vibration components, damaged drums, or an engine ready to fail.

Common Issues We Find:

Vibration System Failures

Worn eccentric shafts, damaged bearings, and failed vibration motors. Repairs run $5,000–$15,000 depending on drum size.

Drum Damage

Flat spots, edge damage, and internal wear from improper operation or debris. Drum repairs or replacement cost $4,000–$20,000.

Engine Problems

Overheating, blow-by, and injector failures from dusty operating conditions. Major repairs range $3,000–$12,000.

Hydraulic System Leaks

Propel motors, steering cylinders, and vibration circuits develop leaks. Repairs cost $1,500–$6,000.

Drum Drive Failures

Worn drum drive motors, damaged planetary gears, and seal leaks. Rebuilds run $4,000–$12,000 per drum.

Spray System Problems

Clogged nozzles, failed pumps, and damaged tanks cause asphalt pickup. Repairs range $500–$2,500.

⚠ What Missed Problems Can Cost You $4,000 - $30,000

This is what repairs cost when issues go undetected. Our inspection is just $800.

Most Inspections Focus on Cosmetics
IronCheck Condition. Function. Risk.

WHAT WE INSPECT

Roller Inspection Checklist

Our inspectors perform a comprehensive roller evaluation — checking drums, vibration system, propel drive, and all operating systems under actual working conditions.

General Condition

  • Serial number verification
  • Hour meter verification
  • Service records review
  • Overall appearance assessment
  • Operating weight verification
  • Drum width confirmation

Drums

  • Drum surface condition
  • Flat spots or damage
  • Edge wear
  • Drum shell thickness (if measurable)
  • Drum drive condition
  • Drum scraper/cleaner condition
  • Internal inspection (if accessible)

Vibration System

  • Vibration motor/exciter
  • Eccentric shaft bearings
  • Vibration amplitude settings
  • Frequency operation
  • Vibration isolators/mounts
  • Vibration engagement
  • Unusual vibration patterns

Propel System

  • Drum drive motors (tandem)
  • Propel pump condition
  • Travel speed (all ranges)
  • Steering response
  • Articulation function (if equipped)
  • Brake function

Engine

  • Cold start test
  • Idle quality and stability
  • Throttle response
  • Exhaust smoke analysis
  • Oil pressure
  • Coolant temperature
  • Air filtration
  • Fluid leaks

Hydraulic System

  • Main hydraulic pump
  • Propel circuit
  • Vibration circuit
  • Steering circuit
  • Control valves
  • Hoses and fittings
  • Hydraulic tank and filters
  • Fluid level and condition

Cooling System

  • Radiator condition
  • Coolant level and condition
  • Fan and belt condition
  • Hydraulic oil cooler
  • Air intake screens
  • Debris buildup

Water/Spray System

  • Water tank condition
  • Spray pump operation
  • Spray nozzles (front and rear)
  • Spray bars
  • Water level indicator
  • Filtration

Operator Station

  • Seat and seatbelt
  • Control lever operation
  • Gauges and warning lights
  • ROPS/FOPS certification
  • Visibility
  • Horn function

Articulation Joint (if equipped)

  • Pivot pins and bushings
  • Steering cylinders
  • Oscillation function
  • Frame alignment

Tires (Pneumatic Rollers)

  • Tire tread depth
  • Tire pressure
  • Sidewall condition
  • Rim condition
  • Ballast condition

Padfoot Shell (if equipped)

  • Pad condition and wear
  • Shell attachment
  • Pad height measurement
  • Missing or damaged pads

Electrical System

  • Battery condition
  • Alternator output
  • Starter function
  • Lights
  • Warning systems
  • Wiring condition

Safety Systems

  • ROPS certification
  • Backup alarm
  • Warning lights
  • Emergency stop
  • Seat switch/interlock

Operational Testing

  • Forward and reverse travel
  • Vibration engagement (both drums)
  • Amplitude and frequency changes
  • Steering and articulation
  • Spray system function
  • Propel speed range
  • Brake hold test
  • Unusual noises or vibrations

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE

Your Inspection Report Includes

Detailed Photo Documentation

25-40 high-resolution photos covering drum surfaces, vibration components, engine compartment, hydraulic system, operator station, and any problem areas found.

Comprehensive Condition Report

Written summary with Good/Fair/Poor ratings for drums, vibration system, propel drive, and all major components. Clear identification of wear items and needed repairs.

Operational Video

Video footage of the roller operating — propelling, vibrating, and steering. See and hear exactly how the machine performs before you buy.

HOW IT WORKS

Simple 3-Step Process

01

Book & Schedule

Send us the roller details (make, model, serial number, drum width) and location. We coordinate with the seller to schedule the inspection.

02

We Inspect

Our inspector performs a thorough evaluation — testing drums, vibration system, and propel drive while documenting everything with photos and video.

03

Get Your Report

Receive your detailed inspection report via email within 24 hours. Know exactly what you're buying before you commit.

⏱ Typical Turnaround: 24-48 hours
Roller Inspection
$800
Per Machine
  • ✓ Complete system inspection
  • ✓ 25-40 detailed photos
  • ✓ Operational video
  • ✓ Written condition report
  • ✓ No hidden fees

Book Your Inspection

Protect your investment before you buy.

Schedule Now

Or call (630) 432-7344

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Roller Inspection FAQs

Most roller inspections take 1.5-2.5 hours depending on configuration. Tandem asphalt rollers and large soil compactors may take longer to fully evaluate.

We inspect all types — tandem asphalt rollers, single drum soil compactors, pneumatic tire rollers, combination rollers, and padfoot/sheepsfoot compactors. All major brands.

We inspect all major brands including Caterpillar, Bomag, Hamm, Dynapac, Sakai, Volvo, and Case. Vibratory and static rollers of all sizes.

Yes. The vibration system is critical on compaction equipment. We test vibration engagement, amplitude settings, and frequency operation. We listen for bearing noise and check for unusual vibration patterns that indicate internal wear.

We inspect drum surfaces for flat spots, edge damage, and wear. We check drum scrapers and look for signs of internal problems. Flat spots indicate bearing failures or operational issues.

Yes. We regularly inspect rollers at active paving sites, equipment yards, and dealer locations. We coordinate timing to minimize disruption to operations.

We test the water spray system including tank, pump, spray bars, and nozzles. A working spray system is essential to prevent asphalt pickup on the drums.

Yes. We evaluate drum drive motors for leaks, noise, and proper operation. We test travel speed in all ranges and check for weak drive or motor drag.

WHY CHOOSE IRONCHECK?

The IronCheck Difference

Independent & Unbiased

We work for you, not the seller or rental company. Our only goal is giving you accurate information about the roller's condition.

Roller Expertise

Our inspectors understand compaction equipment — vibration systems, drum drives, and the components that fail on high-hour machines.

Nationwide Coverage

We inspect rollers across all 50 states. Paving sites, equipment yards, auctions — wherever the machine is, we can get there.

Fast Turnaround

Most inspections scheduled within 24-48 hours. Report delivered same day or next business day.

Ready to Inspect Before You Invest?

A roller with bad vibration or worn drums can't do its job. Don't pay for compaction problems — get the facts before you buy.

CALL (630) 432-7344