Calculator inputs
Example reference rates
These are sample figures for comparison only. Update the inputs to match local supplier quotes and contract terms.
| Roller type | Size class | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tandem vibratory | Mid (2.5–4.0t) | $340 | $1,520 | $5,600 | Asphalt patching, driveways, small roads |
| Single drum | Heavy (4.0–7.0t) | $600 | $2,680 | $9,800 | Base course, subgrade, site prep |
| Padfoot (soil) | Light (1.5–2.5t) | $330 | $1,450 | $5,400 | Trench backfill, cohesive soil compaction |
Formula used
1) Base rental (billing): The calculator prices the rental using daily, weekly, and monthly totals, then applies your chosen billing mode.
- Daily:
days × daily_rate - Weekly:
ceil(days ÷ 5) × weekly_rate - Monthly:
ceil(days ÷ 20) × monthly_rate - Auto: picks the lowest of the three totals.
2) Overtime: (hours_per_day − included_hours) × days × overtime_rate (never below zero).
3) Delivery: max(minimum_delivery, (one_way_km × 2) × rate_per_km) when delivery is selected.
4) Add-ons and operator: Per-day add-ons and operator costs multiply by rental days.
5) Surcharges and protections: Fuel surcharge and damage waiver are percentages of the base rental cost.
6) Totals:
subtotal = base + overtime + delivery + add-ons + operator + fees + insurance + waiverdiscount = subtotal × discount%taxable = subtotal − discounttax = taxable × tax%grand_total = taxable + taxdeposit = (base + add-ons) × deposit%(shown separately)
How to use this calculator
- Pick the roller type and size class closest to your machine.
- Enter rental days and choose Auto to compare billing options.
- Paste supplier rates into daily/weekly/monthly fields if you have them.
- Set delivery distance, rate per km, and any minimum trucking charge.
- Enable add-ons and operator only when they are included in the quote.
- Enter surcharges, insurance, waiver, discounts, and local tax rates.
- Press Calculate to see totals above the form.
- Use the CSV/PDF buttons to share a clean quote.
Rental cost guide for ride-on rollers
1) Typical rental rate bands
Ride-on roller pricing usually follows machine weight and drum configuration. Light rollers (about 1.5–2.5t) often price lower than mid units (2.5–4.0t), while heavy rollers (4.0–7.0t) command the highest rates. Suppliers commonly quote daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, and longer hires reduce the effective cost per day.
2) Daily versus weekly versus monthly math
This calculator compares billing options using practical construction conventions: a week is modeled as 5 working days and a month as 20 working days. That means a 9‑day hire becomes ceil(9/5)=2 billed weeks, and a 21‑day hire becomes ceil(21/20)=2 billed months. Auto mode selects the lowest total.
3) Delivery and mobilization impacts
Trucking can materially change totals on short rentals. The delivery estimate is calculated as round‑trip distance (one‑way km × 2) multiplied by a per‑km rate, then compared against a minimum charge. For example, a 15 km one‑way trip equals 30 km round‑trip; at 2.50 per km the distance charge is 75, which matches the minimum in the default example.
4) Utilization and overtime pricing
Some contracts include a standard number of operating hours per day. If planned hours exceed included hours, overtime can apply. The calculator uses (hours/day − included hours) × days × overtime rate. This lets you model extended paving shifts, night work, or double compaction passes without hiding the true cost.
5) Add-ons that change job outcomes
Add-ons are priced per day so they scale with rental duration. Padfoot kits help compact cohesive soils; scraper bars reduce asphalt pickup; vibration meters support consistent effort tracking. Even small daily add-ons can be justified if they prevent rework, improve density results, or reduce cleanup time.
6) Risk controls, deposits, and waivers
Insurance and damage waivers vary by supplier. This calculator separates a deposit (shown independently) from the grand total because deposits are often refundable after inspection. The damage waiver is modeled as a percentage of base rental cost, aligning with how many rental agreements structure coverage.
7) Surcharges, fees, and taxes
Fuel surcharges are commonly applied as a percentage of base rental, especially when diesel prices fluctuate. Environmental and admin fees are handled as flat amounts. Discounts are applied before tax, then tax is applied to the discounted taxable amount. This ordering matches typical invoice practices.
8) Estimating value using productivity data
A useful way to evaluate a quote is to relate cost to output. On paving and base work, rollers may compact several thousand square meters per shift depending on lift thickness, mix, and site constraints. By comparing your planned area and number of passes against rental days, you can spot under‑utilization and select a shorter, better‑priced billing option.
FAQs
1) What does Auto billing do?
Auto mode calculates the total cost under daily, weekly, and monthly billing rules, then picks the lowest base rental total. You can still override it if your supplier enforces a specific billing schedule.
2) Why is a week set to five days?
Many rentals quote “weekly” rates based on a standard work week. Using five days helps compare quotes consistently. If your project runs seven days, use overtime and longer duration days to model the real plan.
3) Is the deposit included in the grand total?
No. The deposit is shown separately because it’s commonly refundable after return inspection. Your supplier may collect it upfront, so treat it as cash tied up during the hire.
4) How is delivery calculated?
Delivery is estimated as round‑trip distance multiplied by a per‑km rate, with a minimum charge. If delivery is not required, the calculator sets delivery to zero.
5) When should I choose a padfoot kit?
Padfoot configurations are best for cohesive soils and trench backfill where kneading action improves density. For asphalt and granular base, smooth drums and tandem rollers are usually preferred.
6) How should I set overtime values?
Enter planned operating hours per day, included hours, and an overtime rate per hour. If planned hours are below included hours, overtime is automatically treated as zero.
7) Can I use my own local rates and taxes?
Yes. Replace any preset rates with supplier numbers, adjust fees and surcharges, then set discount and tax to match your region. The calculator recalculates instantly after submission.