Working principle
An impact roller uses a polygonal rolling action and repeated dynamic loading across a planned route. A vibratory roller uses a drum and vibration system for conventional layer-by-layer compaction work.
Equipment comparison guide
Use this guide to make the project discussion more precise.
Impact rollers and vibratory rollers transfer energy differently and fit different working contexts. A comparison should begin with the project objective, material condition, working area, access and verification plan, rather than a claim that one method is always better.
This guide helps procurement and engineering teams frame a method discussion with CMG. It does not replace project geotechnical design, trial planning or the acceptance specification.
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Guide contents
Questions a technical buyer should resolve before selection.
Work area and access
Impact rolling is commonly considered where a towable system, turning space and controlled working routes can be planned. Vibratory rollers may be considered for conventional roadwork and layer compaction where their operating pattern fits the site.
Material and layer context
Material type, moisture, layer arrangement and construction sequence are inputs to the selection. Do not assume the same material response across all zones.
Verification route
Equipment process records and project acceptance testing have different roles. The project specification defines how the completed work is accepted.
Evidence boundary
A useful guide is clear about what it does not prove.
CMG uses this resource to organise a project conversation. It does not replace site investigation, geotechnical design, equipment documentation or the project acceptance specification.
- Avoid selecting on energy label or machine size alone.
- Do not use equipment videos as proof of project performance.
- Review changed ground, moisture or access conditions before continuing the work plan.
Buyer checklist
Prepare these inputs before sending an RFQ.
- What is the material and moisture condition?
- Is the work a broad treatment area, a conventional layer or a constrained zone?
- What tow, carrier or roller equipment is already available?
- What turning space, access, traffic and exclusion controls apply?
- What inspection or testing route determines acceptance?
Decision record
Turn the research question into a reviewable equipment brief.
Use the following record as a handover between procurement, site engineering and the equipment supplier. Empty fields are signals to investigate, not assumptions to fill with a generic machine claim.
Inputs to evidence
- What is the material and moisture condition?
- Is the work a broad treatment area, a conventional layer or a constrained zone?
- What tow, carrier or roller equipment is already available?
- What turning space, access, traffic and exclusion controls apply?
Decision to make
- Working principle
- Work area and access
- Material and layer context
Documents to request
- Source-matched model specification and configuration
- Operating and maintenance guidance for the quoted scope
- Project-specific verification and handover requirements
Related equipment
Move from the question to a CMG equipment review.
35kJ Impact Roller
High-energy polygonal roller for demanding subgrade and ground improvement projects.
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32kJ Impact Roller
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30kJ Impact Roller
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Video centre
Use video as context, not as unsupported proof.
Review available CMG equipment footage, then bring your project inputs to the technical discussion.
Visit the CMG video centreResource FAQ
Further questions for the project team.
When should an impact roller be considered?
Where a planned towable system, working area, turn space and project method review indicate that an impact route may fit.
When should a vibratory roller be considered?
Where a conventional layer-compaction route, site access and project method review indicate that vibration equipment may fit.
Can both methods appear on one project?
Possibly. Different work packages or zones may require different equipment routes, subject to project engineering review.
How is the final choice made?
Use ground information, work area, access, available equipment, programme and the project acceptance route to make the decision.