The Steam Roller Pages:

The Steam Roller, prior to self propelled steam engines appearing the nations roads were in a very poor state of repair.  The appearance of the Traction Engine aggravated conditions even further, by fitting roller type wheels to modified Traction Engines manufactures provided the solution to improving road conditions.

Large Councils soon appreciated the benefit's the Steam Roller provided.  The appearance of the motor car and lorry at the turn of the 19 century required better and more suitable roads.  Many Councils soon acquired large fleets of Steam Rollers basing them throughout the area under their control.  As better roads became a priority many road building firms also became valued customers of the various Steam Roller Manufacturers.

Many Steam Rollers had very lengthy service lives, in many cases more than 50 years and a considerable number worked until the late 1960's.  It was only after the Second World War that the Diesel powered roller started to become commonplace, and indeed it is still common to hear these called "Steam Rollers"

Please use the links on your right to view a large selection of Steam Roller photographs and information.