Identifying Vintage Dual Smooth Drum Rollers and Their Municipal Legacy

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Dual Drum Rollers in Municipal Paving
During the 1970s and early 1980s, compact dual smooth drum rollers became a staple in municipal road maintenance fleets across North America. These machines were designed for asphalt compaction in tight urban environments, offering maneuverability, consistent drum pressure, and the ability to travel without trailers. Their popularity stemmed from simplicity, hydraulic steering, and the ability to raise or remove rear wheels for towing or edge work.
One such roller, likely manufactured between 1975 and 1980, features a Wisconsin V4 air-cooled engine, two-speed forward/reverse transmission, and a hydraulic steering system operated by a single lever. The rear wheels can be hydraulically lifted for transport or removed entirely to allow closer work near curbs and buildings. This configuration was common among rollers used by city departments for patching and small-scale resurfacing.
Ferguson Manufacturing and Its Role in Roller Development
Ferguson Mfg. Co., based in the United States, was one of the key producers of compact rollers during this era. Known for their rugged design and straightforward mechanics, Ferguson rollers were widely adopted by towns and counties that needed reliable machines without the complexity of larger highway-class compactors.
Their rollers often featured:

• Dual smooth steel drums for finish compaction
  
• Hydraulic steering with minimal linkage
  
• Removable or retractable rear wheels for towing
  
• Wisconsin V4 engines, known for simplicity but prone to overheating if cooling fins were obstructed
  

While Ferguson never reached the global scale of companies like BOMAG or Hamm, their machines were favored for their low maintenance and adaptability. Many units remained in service for decades, passed between departments or sold to private contractors.
Wisconsin V4 Engine Characteristics and Common Issues
The Wisconsin V4 engine, used in many compact rollers of the time, was an air-cooled, four-cylinder gasoline engine known for its torque and reliability. However, it had quirks:

• Cooling fins were prone to clogging with debris, especially mud or insect nests
  
• Exhaust valves could stick open if carbon buildup was excessive
  
• Rough running was common unless ignition and carburetion were carefully tuned
  

In one case, a roller ran poorly due to a stuck exhaust valve and overheating caused by mud wasp nests in the cooling fins. After cleaning and valve repair, the engine returned to normal operation. These engines were often misunderstood, but with proper maintenance, they could run reliably for thousands of hours.
Hydraulic Wheel Retraction and Transport Convenience
One standout feature of these rollers was the ability to hydraulically lift the rear wheels for towing. This eliminated the need for a trailer, allowing operators to hook the roller directly to a dump truck or utility vehicle. Pins could be inserted to lock the wheels in the raised position, and the machine could be maneuvered into tight spaces without the wheels interfering.
This design was particularly useful for patching near buildings or curbs, where drum clearance was critical. Operators could remove the wheels entirely or hold them away from the frame, depending on the task. While the hydraulic system was simple, it required regular inspection to avoid seal failure or cylinder leaks.
Field Repairs and Improvised Solutions
In remote areas, breakdowns were often resolved with ingenuity. One operator recalled a hydraulic lift cylinder failure 40 miles from home. With no spare parts, the crew used the power-down function of a dump truck’s tailgate to lift the roller and chain it into position for transport. These kinds of field fixes were common and reflected the practical mindset of municipal crews.
Another technician noted that their roller always ran rough, no matter how many components were replaced. Despite its quirks, the machine was used extensively, proving its value through sheer durability.
Identifying Vintage Rollers Without Tags
Many older rollers have lost their identification tags due to repainting, rust, or wear. To identify such machines:

• Examine drum width and frame geometry for manufacturer-specific traits
  
• Look for casting marks or serial numbers on hydraulic components
  
• Compare engine model and mounting configuration to known units
  
• Consult municipal equipment archives or retired operators familiar with legacy fleets
  

In some cases, visual inspection and anecdotal memory are the only tools available. Ferguson units, for example, had distinctive drum supports and wheel lift mechanisms that set them apart from similar-looking Gallion or Hyster models.
Conclusion
Vintage dual smooth drum rollers like the one described represent a bygone era of municipal equipment—simple, effective, and built for hard use. Whether manufactured by Ferguson or another regional builder, these machines played a vital role in maintaining roads and sidewalks across small towns. Their design, centered around hydraulic steering, removable wheels, and air-cooled engines, made them versatile and easy to repair. Even today, they offer lessons in mechanical resilience and the value of straightforward engineering. Identifying them may require detective work, but their legacy is unmistakable in the stories of those who operated and maintained them.