Flat Roller vs Cambridge Roller: Making the Right Choice

Jan 18, 2024    Posted by Stewart Knight

Do I need a Flat roller or a Cambridge roller? A question we often get asked, so let's explore the differences and what they are best suited to.

What is a Cambridge Roller

A Cambridge roller is a long cylindrical roller made up of independently rotating V-shaped rings. These rings turn on a central axle, allowing the roller to navigate tight corners without scuffing or spinning. The unique V-shaped design creates diversions in the ground at the centre of each cast ring, aiding in moisture retention and promoting uniform crop germination.

What is a Flat Roller

A Flat roller consists of a long, flat cylinder usually sealed at both ends and capable of being filled with water. While Flat rollers come in various diameters and configurations, they share a fundamental principle: they are solid rollers with bearing blocks at either end, allowing the cylinder to spin.

So, what is their purpose?

Cambridge rollers were initially designed for consolidating and breaking up clods during ground preparation. They prove beneficial after sowing to firm up the seedbed, with the V-shaped design creating moisture diverts on the soil surface and reducing soil exposure to wind. This feature is particularly advantageous when sowing smaller seeds in dry climates, where moisture retention is crucial. The added benefit of individual roller rings is they prevent the roller from digging up freshly sown pasture when turning.

Flat rollers were designed to level and consolidate existing pastures, pressing in rocks, and reducing cattle pugs. The ability to fill the barrel with water and add extra weight is crucial for achieving results when pressing in stones and smoothing out large cattle ruts. This is where a Flat roller shines.

Existing Pasture and Rocks

So, why can't I use a Cambridge roller on existing pasture or press in rocks? The answer is - it is simply just not suited to these tasks. Whilst it is possible that a Cambridge roller would consolidate existing pasture in the right conditions. These units lack the flexibility to easily increase the weight of the roller. The cast iron rings may also shatter or break if the unit had extra weight added and was to hit a large stone.

Seeding

So, can I use a Flat roller to roll after seeding? Yes, it is possible to use a Flat roller for rolling after seeding and smaller 24” Flat rollers are designed for seed and light pugging, however, there are some potential drawbacks. For example, in lighter soils pressing the entire surface flat can cause the soil to dry on top and “bake out” causing an impenetrable layer on the surface that the seed cannot push through. The other issue that can occur with flat rolling after seeding is moisture may run off and not penetrate the seedbed, this can cause erosion issues in steep country of high rainfall areas. Typically, however, a Flat roller works very well in a post or pre seed situation and is ideal if you wish to perform winter clean up of pugging as well.

If your primary objective is to consolidate after seeding and retain soil moisture and you do not need to do any other rolling, a Cambridge roller may be the preferred choice for you. However, if you are renovating existing pastures, dealing with cattle pugging and stones, and also wish to use the roller pre or post seeding, a Flat roller may be the preferred solution for your needs.

Unsure if a Flat roller or Cambridge roller is the best unit for you reach out to the Delmade team. We are very happy to answer questions you may have. You can also check out our learning centre for more information or click here to submit your question to be answered!

Phone 1800 335 623.