ROAD ROLLER

[Nick Drew]

Nice Job Martyn!!!

I can understand why your Daughter is so pleased !!! Bless

Nick

[pushcat]

Hello Martyn:
Very nice restoration. I like the brass name plate. Out of curiousity, what does this machine weigh?

[martyn williams]

Hello Pushcat
Its 2.5 ton,this type of roller was the first in a series that went up to around 9 ton.My roller was used for patch work and pavements ( side walks),Since it was built in 1953 it has done very few hours may be less than 500.As it was council owned it only done work on local roadworks and was not abused like some machines are in the plant hire industry.
The set up of district councils in Wales had a small amount of machines looking after a fairly small area.The fleet usually consisted of a pedestrian roller,a GA type roller like mine,A Gd roller of 8 ton.These rollers were operated by the same driver,therefore they were well looked after.
Cheers
Martyn

[martyn williams]

I have now traced the original driver of this roller. I was contacted by a local radio station after I had posted a message on their website.
They will be doing an Interview with me on the restoration project.
Can't wait for better weather so I can progress this project.
Martyn

[martyn williams]

Started up the roller today,started first swing after it has not been run for four months,well impressed with this machine.Will start preparing the panels for painting.The weather is still not good for spraying,too damp and cold.

[martyn williams]

I have now fitted the nameplates, had to make them tamperproof as this day and age there are a lot of parts stolen off vintage machinery.Another sad sign of the times. Will be preparing the roller for painting tomorrow.Will post pictures this week.
Martyn

[martyn williams]

Done a bit more on the roller today, sanded back to bare metal and filled where needed.Cleaned up the front badge,looking a lot better now.My Hydrovane 90D from the 1970's has been a great help in powering my air tools.Has done 250 hours since I restored it.Its output is 75 cfm at 100 psi and is powered by a Perkins 4108 diesel engine.

[John Gaunt]

That's a useful looking fordson you have there Martyn, is it a power or super major (I'm guessing a power major) ?

[martyn williams]

Hello John,its a Power major. Have owned it for 12 years now and have done many miles on it.I also has a Pembrokshire registration like the roller.It used to be fitted with a very large forklift that had its own wheels.The tractor was used in a timber yard then a farm.Went to a rally a few years back and the original owner was there.He was very surprised to see his old tractor still around.He wanted to buy it back but I declined.
Martyn

[martyn williams]

Done a bit more on the roller today,about half way there on the paint prep. work.