1979 Bros/CAT M278 Vibratory Smooth Double Drum Roller/Compactor
S/N #14049
It has a CAT 3208 10.4L V8 diesel engine, and it is serial #90N43496,
Full hydraulic hydrostatic transmission system
The front drum is 77 3/4"L x 51 1/2" diameter, the rear drum 78"L x 51 1/2" diameter
It has 7428 hours on the meter
The engine starts and runs but will not operate or move
One roller is locked in place and the other turns, and it won't move under its own power
It comes with manuals and a "Bill of Sale" only
Sold AS IS for repair
Good Luck Bidding
The following general information is web-sourced and may contain variances from the subject unit:
The 1979 Bros VM-278 Double Drum Roller (S/N 14049) is a heavy-duty, tandem vibratory asphalt and soil compactor powered by a legendary Caterpillar 3208 V8 diesel engine. This high-production infrastructure machine utilizes a full hydraulic hydrostatic transmission system.
The Roller: Bros VM-278
Manufactured by the Bros Divison of American Hoist & Derrick Co. (later absorbed into companies like Bomag), the VM-278 is engineered for large-scale commercial paving, highways, and airport runways.
- Compaction System: Dual smooth steel drums providing high-weight static linear load combined with dynamic vibratory frequencies to settle asphalt and aggregate sub-bases efficiently.
- Production Context: Original factory Bros VM-278 Parts Manuals detail a rugged steel build designed for dual-drum split or continuous compaction control.
The Engine: Caterpillar 3208 V8
Specific unit features of the iconic CAT 3208, a naturally aspirated or lightly turbocharged mechanical diesel workhorse widely utilized throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Four-stroke, 90-degree V8 Diesel |
| Displacement | 10.4 Liters (636 Cubic Inches) |
| Horsepower | Typically configured around 175 to 225 HP for industrial rollers |
| Fuel System | Strictly mechanical, featuring a proprietary sleeve metering fuel injection pump |
| Block Type | Parent-bore design (cast iron block without replaceable wet cylinder liners) |
- Operating Characteristics: The CAT 3208 operates best at higher operational RPM boundaries (2,500 to 2,800 RPM) compared to traditional low-speed inline-six diesels. This continuous high RPM matches the constant power output demands needed to turn heavy hydraulic vibratory pumps.
- Maintenance Note: It is historically nicknamed a "throwaway engine" because it lacks removable liners. If a cylinder wall sustains damage, the entire block must be pulled and machined oversize or replaced completely. Watch out for plastic coolant crossover tube seals, which are common failure points on older models.
The Transmission: Hydrostatic Drive
Industrial rollers like the VM-278 do not use standard mechanical gearboxes or automotive-style automatic transmissions. Instead, they rely on a closed-loop hydrostatic transmission system.
- How It Works: The CAT 3208 engine is direct-coupled to a heavy-duty hydraulic axial piston pump. This pump sends pressurized hydraulic fluid through high-pressure lines directly to hydraulic drive motors mounted inside the hubs of the steel drums.
- Control Advantage: This allows the operator stepless, infinitely variable speed selection in both forward and reverse using a single joystick. It prevents asphalt scuffing by delivering perfectly smooth acceleration and directional changes.
Hydrostatic Dual Vibratory System
The core value of the VM-278 lies in its high-capacity dual-drum vibration system, which is engineered to achieve uniform surface density with minimal passes.
- Independent Controls: The hydraulic circuitry allows operators to isolate the vibratory system. You can run vibration in the front drum only, rear drum only, both drums simultaneously, or strictly static mode (no vibration).
- Hydraulic Core: The machine utilizes vintage RayGo P30/P50 series hydraulic pumps and motors to drive both the eccentric weights inside the drums and the hydrostatic travel system.
- Compaction Capability: It features an expansive drum width. This wide profile, paired with high centrifugal force, makes it exceptionally efficient for highway projects, airport runways, and deep-lift granular base material preparation
Terms of Sale:
All sales are final. No refunds will be issued. This item is being sold as is, where is, with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected this item and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this item at the buyer request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the item. Seller is NOT responsible for providing tools or heavy equipment to aid in removal. Items left on seller premises after this removal deadline will revert back to possession of the seller, with no refund.
