This report is an update of the Equipment Analysis on the Chinese market for compaction equipment last published by Off-Highway Research in August 2021. The study covers all self-propelled ride-on compactors, but towed rollers, handguided vibrating plates and pedestrian units are excluded from the coverage. The findings presented in this report are based on information obtained through personal interviews with all the major suppliers and their dealers during the first half of 2023.

Compaction equipment studied in Off-Highway Research’s reports is classified as static rollers, self-propelled rollers (also called single drum vibratory rollers), tandem vibratory rollers and pneumatic-tyred rollers (PTRs).

Static rollers were the first type of compaction equipment to be developed in China, and are still employed in some niche sectors. They are typically equipped with two or three tandem steel rolls, with two at the rear, while the latest design features an articulated frame. Since they rely on their weight to operate effectively, they are usually equipped with a ballast of 2-4 tonnes. Unless otherwise specified, the operating weight quoted for static rollers refers to them when they are empty.

Self-propelled rollers are used in the compaction of subsoil and base courses, and have a single drum at the front and a driven steering axle with tyres at the rear. The front drum may also be driven. The market is clearly split between mechanical models, which use mechanical drive for the rear; and hydrostatic models, which are more sophisticated in their operation and now include two drive modes: double drive and single drive.

Tandem vibratory rollers are equipped with two drums, one or both of which are vibrated. The smallest models weigh less than 1.5 tonnes in operating weight, but the most popular models are in the 10-14 tonne range used for the heavy compaction of asphalt, while the smaller models under 8 tonnes are usually applied in the road maintenance or utility works.

Pneumatic-tyred rollers (PTRs) are used in finishing asphalt surfaces. They rely purely on their weight, so are ballasted to enhance their operational capability. In this report, the tonnage quoted for PTRs refers to their empty weight, unless otherwise specified.