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SIMAQ
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5-minute training

5 min

How to use the walk-behind trench roller

A walk-behind trench roller compacts trench floors and backfill in clay soil, steered by its handle. The SIMAQ SQRDPWB L102 has 680 mm double padfoot drums, a Honda GX390 engine and 17 kN of centrifugal force. Go to full throttle before engaging vibration and work in 20–30 cm lifts with 4–6 overlapping passes.

Also called: trench roller, padfoot roller

Walk-behind double-drum padfoot roller: compacts the trench floor in cohesive soil, guided by the handle (no remote control).

  1. 01

    Check and refill

    Engine and hydraulic oil, fuel and water. Padfoot lugs free of packed-in material between them.

  2. 02

    Start with vibration off

    Position the machine, bring the engine to full throttle, and only then engage vibration (it won't kick in at low rpm). Guide with the handle, don't force it.

  3. 03

    Lifts and passes

    20–30 cm lifts, 4–6 overlapping passes. The padfoot kneads cohesive soil from the bottom up.

  4. 04

    Use the articulated joint

    The articulated joint steers around covers and obstacles without tearing up fresh work. Smooth turns from the handle.

  5. 05

    Mind your position in the trench

    Keep your body behind the handle, never between the machine and the trench wall. Check slope and shoring before going in.

Do this

  • Go to full throttle before engaging vibration.
  • Keep your body behind the handle at all times.
  • Clean the padfoot lugs at the end of the shift.

Avoid this

  • Don't stand between the machine and the trench wall.
  • Don't use it as a finish smooth roller: it leaves lug marks.
  • Don't operate with the trench shoring in poor condition.

Safety

  • Hard hat, boots, gloves, glasses and hearing protection.
  • Mind your feet and the handle pinch point on turns.
  • Slope and shoring checked before any maneuver.
Go deeper in SIMAQ SchoolSoil compaction

Test yourself

Got it down?

Self-check

0/6

Each practice: do it or avoid it? Tap your answer.

  • Go to full throttle before engaging vibration.

  • Keep your body behind the handle at all times.

  • Clean the padfoot lugs at the end of the shift.

  • Don't stand between the machine and the trench wall.

  • Don't operate with the trench shoring in poor condition.

  • Don't use it as a finish smooth roller: it leaves lug marks.

Equipment in this training

Apply it on these machines

Trench roller SQRDPWB L102
SQRDPWB L102

Trench roller SQRDPWB L102

Compacts the trench floor, remote-control ready.

View details
Which compactor to use by soil and spaceDecision tree. First question: is the soil cohesive, clay or silt? If yes, it compacts by impact: SQ60 PRO 2 rammer or padfoot roller SQRDPWB L102 or SQRPTRC L202. If not, second question: is it a narrow trench? If yes: SQRDPWB L102 trench roller, SQRPTRC L202 by remote control, or SQ60 PRO 2 rammer. If not, third question: base or sand in an open area, or pavers? If yes: SQ15 PRO plate compactor, with its urethane mat on pavers. If not, it is a large area, embankment or asphalt: a roller, walk-behind SQRDWB L34 or ride-on SQRD L41 to L71. In every case: lifts of 20 to 30 cm and 3 to 4 passes.Is the soil cohesive?Clay or silt: it needs impact.YesRammer SQ60 PRO 2or padfoot rollerSQRDPWB L102 · SQRPTRC L202NoIs it a narrow trench?Granular, but no room.YesTrench rollerSQRDPWB L102SQRPTRC L202 by remote controlor rammer SQ60 PRO 2NoBase or sand in an open area,or pavers?YesSQ15 PRO plate compactorPavers: with the urethane matNoLarge area, embankment or asphaltWalk-behind roller SQRDWB L34or ride-on SQRD L41–L71Always: 20–30 cm liftsand 3–4 passes
The soil decides: cohesive needs impact; granular, vibration. Then space decides.

Buying guides

Clear up your questions before you quote

Guide · 7 min

How to choose the right compactor for your soil type

Granular or cohesive, base or trench: the rule is simple — the soil decides. A quick guide so you don't over-buy or redo the work.

Read Guide · 7 min

Which roller compactor should you choose by tonnage and job?

From 0.78 to 4.2 tonnes: the seven SIMAQ rollers side by side, with weight, drum width, force and engine, and which roller compactor fits sidewalks, trenches, streets or roadwork.

Read Guide · 6 min

What is a jumping jack rammer and when should you use it?

The rammer compacts by impact: narrow trenches, next to pipe and walls, and clay soils. How to use it, when not to, and the SIMAQ SQ60 PRO 2.

Read

FAQ

What people ask about the walk-behind trench roller

Padfoot vs. smooth-drum roller: what's the difference?

A padfoot has lugs that dig in and knead clay soil; a smooth drum presses with a flat drum and leaves a smooth surface. Cohesive soil → padfoot; granular base or asphalt → smooth drum.

Walk-behind or remote-control trench roller: which one?

Shallow, stable trench → walk-behind (SQRDPWB L102). Deep trench or questionable walls → remote control (SQRPTRC L202), so nobody goes down with the machine.

How many passes does it need?

4 to 6 overlapping passes per 20–30 cm lift. Any thicker and the bottom never compacts.

What's the most dangerous mistake?

Standing between the machine and the trench wall: a turn or a bounce can pin you. Keep your body behind the handle, always.

How often does it need an oil change?

On the SQRDPWB L102: first engine-oil change at 50 hours, then every 100 hours; check the level every 10 hours and change the hydraulic oil every 500 hours.

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