Asphalt resurfacing/paving is a critical part of road maintenance and rehabilitation projects across Australia. And while Conplant doesn’t do the resurfacing itself, we play a crucial role in powering the process by supplying the compaction machinery that ensures every project finishes strong.
Whether you’re working on a suburban road, a large-scale highway, or a commercial carpark, selecting the right compaction equipment is key to getting the job done properly, efficiently and safely. That’s where we come in.
Let’s explore the core machines involved in asphalt resurfacing and how Conplant’s hire fleet can support your project from prep to finish.
Contents:
Milling Machines: Prepping the Surface
Rollers: The Heart of the Resurfacing Process
Choosing the Right Setup for the Job
Smart Technology in Compaction
Planning Support: Making Equipment Fit the Program
Milling Machines: Prepping the Surface
Although we don’t supply milling machines directly, they’re often the first step in resurfacing. These machines remove the top layer of damaged/old asphalt to create a level surface for the new asphalt layer to adhere to. We frequently work alongside crews during this phase to ensure that once milling wraps up, the right compaction equipment is on site and ready to go. Timely transitions between milling and rolling help avoid delays and preserve surface quality, especially in tight urban programs or during night works.
Rollers: The Heart of the Resurfacing Process
Compaction is where Conplant shines. Our rollers help contractors compact asphalt efficiently, achieving the density and finish that ensures long-lasting results.
Tandem Rollers
Suitable for a wide range of resurfacing projects from residential driveways to larger urban roads and freeways. Conplant offers tandem rollers up to 12 tonnes, and tandem oscillating rollers providing the versatility and compaction power needed for both tight-access areas and mid-sized commercial jobs through to freeway and project work. These machines are easy to transport, operate, and deliver consistent results across various asphalt applications.
Multi-Tyre Rollers
These apply consistent kneading pressure across multiple smooth tyres, delivering superior sealing and surface finish. Multi-tyre rollers are ideal for final compaction stages, particularly on projects where a tight, water-resistant surface is essential. Conplant’s range includes water and additive sprayer systems, flexible tyre pressures, and adjustable ballast for optimal contact and performance. Explore our Multi Tyre Roller range to find the right model for your resurfacing project.
Plate Compactors
Finishing the edges is just as important as the main surface. That’s why contractors also turn to light compaction gear like plate compactors essential tools for tight areas where larger rollers can’t reach. Conplant offers a range of options to purchase, including single-direction and forward-and-reverse plate compactors, ideal for compacting around curbs, tight access and carparks, drainage grates, and patch work. These machines are compact, easy to handle, and crucial for delivering a uniform finish across the entire job site.
Choosing the Right Setup for the Job
Every resurfacing project is different, and choosing the right compaction equipment depends on more than just the job size. Factors like site access, ground conditions, material type, environmental restrictions, and finish quality all play a role in shaping your machinery lineup.
Here’s how equipment selection typically breaks down:
- Residential work: Compact tandem rollers and plate compactors are usually all that’s required.
- Commercial carparks: A combination of smooth drum (static) and multi-tyre rollers ensures both structural compaction and surface sealing, with flexibility to meet varying site and access requirements.
- Major road projects: Larger tandem and multi-tyre rollers, often used in succession for deep, consistent compaction over wide areas.
Smart Technology in Compaction
Many of Conplant’s rollers come equipped with intelligent systems like telematics, compaction meters and automation controls. These features help:
- Monitor compaction performance in real-time
- Reduce unnecessary passes
- Avoid over/under compaction
- Improve safety by alerting operators to risk zones
GPS-controlled pavers, for example, can reduce material waste by up to 10% and improve paving accuracy, especially on large-scale projects where tolerances are tight and timeframes even tighter. These systems use sensors and satellite data to maintain the correct paving depth and slope automatically, reducing the need for manual corrections and ensuring a smoother finish.
Contractors across Australia are also integrating automated screed controls, which adjust the height and angle of the screed in real time to account for surface variations. This results in consistent compaction and fewer dips or bumps in the final surface finish. In fact, some operators have reported a 20% increase in productivity and up to a 30% drop in rework rates when switching to smart resurfacing systems.
Rollers with telematics, intelligent compaction and onboard diagnostics are also gaining popularity. These allow for real-time compaction tracking, letting crews know exactly when and where enough compaction has been achieved. Not only does this save time, but it also improves safety by reducing unnecessary passes.
And as the industry pushes toward sustainability, electric and hybrid-powered rollers are beginning to enter the fleet. These machines reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, which is a huge benefit for residential or nighttime resurfacing jobs.
Planning Support: Making Equipment Fit the Program
Every resurfacing job runs on a tight schedule, and delays can mean major cost blowouts. At Conplant, we help customers plan ahead by offering tailored advice on machine selection and delivery timing. Our experienced team works closely with contractors to match equipment to project phases, whether it’s a three-day residential job or a multi-week highway upgrade.
We also understand the importance of availability. That’s why we maintain one of the largest compaction fleets in the country, so your machines are ready when you are.
Hire vs Buy: Why Hiring Makes Sense
Most resurfacing projects are time-sensitive and require a specific machine mix. Hiring gives you access to exactly what you need – without the overhead of ownership.
With Conplant, you get:
- Easy-to-operate machines with familiar controls
- Helpful manuals and phone support for quick guidance on-site
- Risk assessments and operator manuals in cab
- Access to Australia’s largest compaction hire fleet
- 24/7 support and servicing
- Expertise in selecting the right roller for the job
- Flexible hire terms tailored to your project timeline
Looking to weigh up your options? Check out our full Hire vs Buy Guide for a breakdown of what works best in different situations.
Summary: Conplant’s Role in Asphalt Resurfacing
We might not lay the asphalt, but we make sure it stays put. Our machinery gives contractors the compaction power they need to deliver quality results on every resurfacing job.
Need help planning your equipment hire? Chat with our team or check out our roller range online. We’re here to help make your next resurfacing job run smoother from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mainly compaction machinery – multi-tyre rollers, static rollers, tandem rollers, combination rollers, oscillating rollers and plate compactors.
No, we specialise in compaction and support gear. But we can connect you with industry partners if needed.
Tandem rollers between 1.5 and 4 tonnes are ideal for driveways and smaller projects.
Absolutely. Our team will recommend the best fit based on project size, surface type, and compaction requirements.
Yes, we offer both short- and long-term hire solutions Australia-wide.
They’re ideal for sealing and finishing – especially when surface tightness and durability are priorities. Their adjustable tyre pressure and ballast options make them highly adaptable to changing site conditions.
Yes, Conplant provides delivery, on-site servicing, and 24/7 support across the country.
Yes, our fleet includes low-noise, fuel-efficient vehicles suited to all environments and applications.
