Restoring and Operating the Essick VR30RE with Wisconsin AENLD Engine

[MikePhua]

The Legacy of Essick Rollers and Wisconsin Engines
The Essick VR30RE is a vintage walk-behind vibratory roller designed for compacting asphalt, gravel, and soil in small-scale construction and repair work. Essick, originally a California-based manufacturer, was known for producing durable light compaction equipment throughout the mid-20th century. Their rollers were widely used by municipalities, paving crews, and rental yards for patching and trench backfill.
Powering the VR30RE is the Wisconsin AENLD engine—a single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke gasoline engine built for industrial applications. Wisconsin Motors, founded in 1909, became a staple in the small engine market, supplying power units for generators, welders, pumps, and construction machinery. The AENLD variant was part of their heavy-duty A-series, known for its cast iron block, mechanical governor, and magneto ignition.
Engine Specifications and Operating Characteristics
The Wisconsin AENLD delivers approximately 9.2 horsepower at 3600 RPM. It features:

• Bore and stroke: 3.0 x 2.75 inches
  
• Displacement: 18.2 cubic inches
  
• Compression ratio: 6.2:1
  
• Fuel system: Updraft carburetor with manual choke
  
• Ignition: Magneto-driven spark with adjustable timing
  
• Lubrication: Splash-type with dipstick monitoring
  

This engine is designed for simplicity and field serviceability. Its mechanical governor maintains consistent RPM under load, while the magneto system eliminates the need for a battery. Operators can adjust timing and valve clearance using basic hand tools.
A paving crew in Ohio once ran an AENLD-powered roller for 14 straight summers with only two valve jobs and one carburetor rebuild. The engine’s reliability became a point of pride, especially during emergency road patching after spring floods.
Starting and Operating the VR30RE Roller
To start the Wisconsin AENLD:

• Open the fuel valve and set the choke
  
• Ensure the throttle is at idle
  
• Pull the recoil starter briskly
  
• Once running, gradually open the choke and increase throttle
  

The VR30RE uses a centrifugal clutch to engage the vibratory drum. As RPM increases, the clutch activates and transfers power to the exciter shaft. Vibration is generated by an eccentric weight rotating inside the drum housing.
Operating tips:

• Warm up the engine for 2–3 minutes before engaging vibration
  
• Avoid running at full throttle without load
  
• Use short passes for patch compaction and edge sealing
  
• Monitor engine temperature and oil level every few hours
  

The roller’s compact footprint allows it to work near curbs, manholes, and tight corners. Its weight and vibration frequency are ideal for 2–4 inch asphalt lifts and granular subbase layers.
Common Issues and Field Repairs
Despite its durability, the VR30RE and AENLD engine can develop age-related problems:

• Hard starting: Often caused by weak magneto spark or dirty points
  
• Poor vibration: Worn eccentric bearings or loose exciter shaft
  
• Fuel starvation: Clogged carburetor jets or deteriorated fuel lines
  
• Excessive smoke: Valve guide wear or stuck rings
  

Solutions include:

• Cleaning and gapping magneto points to 0.020 inches
  
• Replacing exciter bearings with sealed industrial-grade units
  
• Rebuilding the carburetor with OEM or compatible kits
  
• Performing a top-end refresh with new rings and valve lapping
  

A technician in Alberta rebuilt a VR30RE that had sat idle for 12 years. After replacing the fuel system, cleaning the magneto, and adjusting the governor linkage, the roller returned to service on a rural road crew.
Parts Availability and Restoration Resources
While Essick-branded parts are no longer in production, many components are interchangeable with other legacy rollers and Wisconsin engines. Sources include:

• Industrial engine suppliers for AENLD parts
  
• Bearing distributors for exciter assemblies
  
• Fabrication shops for drum bushings and clutch components
  
• Online forums and vintage equipment groups for manuals and advice
  

Wisconsin engine parts remain widely available due to their use in generators and welders. Recoil starters, carburetors, valves, and gaskets can be sourced from aftermarket suppliers or rebuilt from donor units.
Preserving Vintage Equipment in Modern Fleets
The Essick VR30RE may not match the speed or emissions compliance of modern rollers, but its simplicity and ruggedness make it valuable for niche tasks. Crews often keep one on standby for emergency patching, remote jobs, or training new operators.
To extend its life:

• Store indoors or under cover to prevent rust
  
• Drain fuel between seasons to avoid varnish
  
• Use ethanol-free gasoline when possible
  
• Maintain a log of hours and service intervals
  

Some owners retrofit electric start kits or install modern vibration isolators to improve usability. Others restore the machine for historical demonstrations or small-scale paving businesses.
Conclusion
The Essick VR30RE with Wisconsin AENLD engine is a testament to mid-century engineering—built for hard work, easy repair, and long service life. Whether compacting asphalt in a city alley or smoothing gravel on a rural trail, this roller continues to earn its place in the field. With proper care and a bit of mechanical know-how, it remains a reliable tool in the hands of those who appreciate its legacy.