MESSRS. GREEN AND SON’S 15-TON STEAM ROAD ROLLER AND TRACTION ENGINE COMBINED.
In Paris the Gellerat steam roller is used, and another is also known, which is manufactured by Messrs. Morland and Sons.
A 15-ton steam roller costs about 650l. in the first place, the cost of working it &c., has been given in the [early pages] of this chapter.
The advantages of steam road rolling may be summed up as follows:—
(1.) The saving of wear and tear to vehicles and horses. Roads should be made for the traffic, and not by it.[51]
(2.) Economy; as it is said that a saving of from 30 to 50 per cent. is effected by reason of the roads being better made thus obviating the necessity for such frequent sweeping and scraping.
(3.) The roads can be made or repaired at any season of the year.
(4.) The avoidance of cruelty to horses, cattle, and sheep, as in the case of newly metalled unrolled roads.
(5.) A saving of road metal. (a) Because it need not be broken so small. (b) Because there are no loose stones to be kicked about and lost. (c) Because there is no abrasion of the stones, only one surface of the stone being exposed. (d) Because no ruts can be formed in which water can lie to rot the stone. (e) Because a thinner coating of metal can be employed.
(6.) The roller can be advantageously used for other purposes.