Section 1: Hydraulic System Maintenance

The hydraulic system is the roller's lifeblood, powering movement, vibration, and steering. Contamination is its greatest enemy.

1. Daily/Pre-Operation Checks:

• Leak Inspection: Visually check all connections, hoses, valves, pumps, motors, and cylinders for oil leaks. Tighten any loose mounting bolts immediately.

• Oil Level Check: Use the sight gauge on the hydraulic tank. Ensure the oil level is within the marked range when the machine is on level ground. Low oil causes cavitation and pump damage.

2. Regular Oil & Filter Service:

• Hydraulic Oil Specification: Always use the manufacturer's recommended grade, typically ISO VG 68 anti-wear hydraulic oil. Using incorrect oil can damage seals and components.

• Filter Maintenance: Clean or replace the hydraulic filter element every 500 operating hours. A clogged filter bypasses contaminants into the system. Always inspect the filter housing for debris during change.

• Complete Oil Change: Drain and replace all hydraulic oil, and thoroughly clean the reservoir every 6 months or 1000 hours (whichever comes first). This removes accumulated micro-particles and moisture.

• Crucial Cleanliness Tip: When adding or changing oil, ensure all tools, funnels, and containers are spotless. Never pour oil from an unsealed or dirty container. Contamination introduced during service is a leading cause of hydraulic failure.

3. System Monitoring:
Listen for unusual pump whining or knocking noises. Watch for slow or jerky cylinder movements, which indicate internal wear or contamination.

Section 2: Vibration Drum Maintenance

The vibration drum delivers the compaction force. Its bearings and gears require clean, adequate lubrication to withstand extreme loads.

1. Scheduled Oil Changes:

• Change the vibration drum gear oil strictly every 1000 operating hours.

• Recommended Lubricant: Use CD grade SAE 30 diesel engine oil or the exact oil specified in your roller's manual.

• Drain & Refill Procedure:

  1. Position the drum so the fill plug is at the top and the drain plug at the bottom.

  2. Place a container under the drain, remove the plug, and allow the old oil to drain completely.

  3. Clean the magnetic drain plug of any metal particles (a key wear indicator).

  4. Refill with fresh oil through the fill hole until it begins to overflow. This ensures the correct level.

  5. Tighten both plugs securely.

2. Leak & Level Checks:

• Inspect the drum seals and housing for oil leaks before and after each shift. Persistent leaks allow dirt entry and lead to bearing failure.

• Check the oil level as part of your weekly routine using the procedure above.

3. Bearing Lubrication (Walk-Behind/Small Rollers):

• For drums with external grease fittings, lubricate the walking bearings every 20 operating days.

• Use a high-quality calcium-base grease.

• Pump fresh grease until a slight purge is seen at the seal, removing old, contaminated grease. Wipe away the excess.

Section 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing Oil Grades: Never mix different brands or grades of hydraulic or gear oil.

• Ignoring Small Leaks: A small leak today is a major failure tomorrow. Address it immediately.

• Overgreasing Bearings: Excessive grease pressure can damage seals.

• Using Non-Genuine Filters: Low-quality filters have poor filtration efficiency, risking the entire system.

• Extending Intervals: Adhere strictly to hourly maintenance schedules, especially in harsh, dusty environments.

Conclusion: The Payoff of Discipline

A disciplined maintenance routine for the hydraulic system and vibration drum is not an expense—it's an investment. It prevents catastrophic downtime, maintains consistent compaction quality, and significantly extends the service life of your road roller. Keep detailed service logs, use only recommended fluids, and prioritize cleanliness in every task. Your roller’s performance and your project’s bottom line depend on it.

• English: road roller maintenance, hydraulic system care, vibration drum oil, compactor service, construction machinery upkeep

• French: entretien compacteur routier, entretien système hydraulique, huile tambour vibrant, service compacteur, entretien machinerie construction

• Portuguese: manutenção de rolo compactador, cuidado sistema hidráulico, óleo do tambor vibratório, serviço de compactador, manutenção de maquinário de construção

• Spanish: mantenimiento de rodillo compactador, cuidado del sistema hidráulico, aceite del tambor vibratorio, servicio de compactadora, mantenimiento de maquinaria de construcción

• Arabic: صيانة المدحلة، العناية بالنظام الهيدروليكي، زيت أسطوانة الاهتزاز، خدمة الكمبروسور، صيانة معدات البنا