Operator’s Station: The general condition of the
operator’s station can give you a clue as to how the rest of the machine
has been treated. Turn on the machine and make sure all gauges and
instruments are in working order. Honk the horn, check the back-up alarm
and turn on the lights. If the roller has dual amplitude or high frequency
modes, check to see that all modes work.
Engine: Check the drum shell thickness on both
smooth drum and padfoot units. On smooth drum models, examine the drum for
any pitting or scarring that can affect compaction smoothness. On padfoot
compactors, note the condition of the feet, and whether a foot replacement
is required.
Tires: Measure the tread depth of both tires with
a tire-measurement tool and check it against the guidebook specs for that
particular brand of tire. Look for any major cuts or cracks.
Articulation: Check to see if the articulation
joint has been lubricated regularly, and the condition of the pins and
bushings. Operate the machine to see if there is any excessive
front-and-back flexing, which is a sign of over wear in this area.
Drum: With both air-cooled and
water-cooled engines, look for cracks or oil leaks on the heads or valve
covers. Check the fan and fan belt and note their condition. Also check the
filters to see if they look like they’ve been changed.