SIMPLY Garden Rollers

The typical construction of a split drum garden roller is shown in this section.  An internal counterbalance weight is used to keep the handle upright.  External counterbalance weights are also used and usually seen on the T Green & Sons garden rollers.  This design can prove difficult to dismantle as the weights are pinned to the shaft.  Intensive heat has to be applied and the pins punched out.

This section shows examples of rollers that we have previously restored and supplied.  All rollers are dismantled and old paint and rust removed.  Metalwork is finished with Hammerite paint, including the interior of the drums and counterbalance weight.  The exterior of each drum is then wire brushed, sanded and oiled. The rollers are reassembled using new zinc plated bolts where necessary.

Any garden rollers we have available are detailed in this section.  Restored rollers are usually listed on Ebay when available.  If we are not showing any garden rollers as being available, please kindly check back at a later date or contact us with any specific requirements.

Our standard handle designs are shown and which we also have listed on Ebay.  Handles are turned to order from kiln dried American Ash and finished with OSMO UV protection oil.  Handles can be left untreated if preferred.  Custom handles are also available.

New frames and top plates are also available to fit your roller.  We can also supply coach bolts, cap screws and nuts.  If you have a roller that requires a pair of handles (Design 4), we can even assist with a new threaded centre rod and domed nuts.

Here we show the commonly asked questions that we receive and the responses we have provided.  We trust this will help anyone looking to purchase a garden roller, has found one hidden in a garden or who is looking to restore their own roller.

With the frame and axle ends removed, stand with the drums in front of you with a hand flat on each drum.  Repeatedly rock the drums in opposite directions to each other while pulling your hands apart. The drums should begin to part and move outwards along the axle.  Once you have a large enough gap, you can then pull each drum off the axle.  Be careful not to let the full weight of the counterbalance weight to be taken by one drum as this may crack the drum casting.

On occasion, one or both drums may not rotate freely.  This may be due to the axle being seized in one or both drums, or soil being compacted between the internal counterbalance weight and drums.  Often soaking with a penetrating oil may free the axle.  Alternatively, if you place the roller on solid ground, but not concrete, and raise each end a few inches and dropping, the shock may be sufficient to release the drums.  Be patient as too much force can crack the drums.  Intense heat may also be used to release the drums.

If the roller is to be kept outdoors, it would be recommended to keep the handle regularly refinished with OSMO UV protection oil.  Also, clean the drums after use and then wipe them down with WD40 penetrating oil.

We have replacement handles listed on Ebay - please search for 'replacement handle for garden / lawn roller'.  The seller ID is 'simply-rob'.

Inside the drums there is a counterbalance weight fixed to the axle.  The ends of the axles will have either a flat or hole on the underside.  The bolt on the underside of the casting that connects the axle to the framework would locate in the flat or hole.  Some designs of rollers have a square machined on the end of the axle instead but this performs the same function.

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