In construction, downtime is costly. A single machine failure can stall an entire project, leading to delays, penalties, and financial strain. That is why contractors value plant hire partners who keep projects moving, no matter what. For more than 20 years, Eric’s Roller Hire has built its reputation on doing exactly that - providing reliable machines, well-trained operators, and an after-sales service network designed to prevent problems before they escalate.
Fast, reliable support
Quick response times are central to the company’s service philosophy. “The reason we respond so fast is simple - we carry most of the spare parts ourselves,” explains Eric Laynes, owner and director of Eric’s Roller Hire. “We import our own engine parts and hydraulic components, and we also manufacture some parts locally. Our stores are always stocked so that most breakdowns can be fixed quickly.”
Eric’s Roller Hire supports its fleet with five fully equipped service vehicles, each operated by experienced mechanics. Standing agreements with key customers guarantee a 24-hour repair or replacement response, giving contractors the assurance that their projects will stay on track and downtime will be minimised.
Preventative care
The company also focuses on preventative maintenance before machines reach the site. “Our service team is well trained to pick up potential problems before they cause delays,” says Laynes. “Our office staff monitor usage closely, which means we can replace parts before they fail.”
This forward planning ensures that machines arrive at sites in prime condition and, when breakdowns do occur, mechanics can be dispatched immediately. The widespread use of cellphones among operators and site foremen adds another layer of efficiency - issues are often reported before a foreman even knows a machine is down. By the time the contractor is aware of the problem, Eric’s Roller Hire already has a solution in motion.
Countrywide reach
Although headquartered in Benoni, Gauteng, Eric’s Roller Hire’s machines can be found on projects nationwide. The company has equipment working in Kathu, Ellisras, Ladysmith, Newcastle, and across the Witbank-Middelburg hub. Whether in the industrial heartland or remote rural areas, its presence reflects its ability to mobilise quickly and serve contractors wherever the need arises. Operators are often accommodated on-site when projects are further afield, ensuring machines remain productive throughout the project duration.
Communication builds trust
For Laynes, clear communication is just as important as technical expertise. “The operators, office staff, plant manager, mechanics, and I am always in contact. If something goes wrong, the customer is kept fully informed. That level of transparency reassures clients that problems are under control.”
As a result, feedback from contractors is overwhelmingly positive - not because there are no issues, but because they are resolved before they become crises. In many cases, Laynes himself stays personally involved in client communication, bridging the gap between the workshop, the foremen, and the customer. This hands-on approach has built strong, long-lasting relationships with contractors who know they can rely on the company.
Skilled people, strong service
Behind the company’s service record is a well-trained and experienced team. Five dedicated mechanics each run their own service vehicles, while operators are supplied with every hired machine. “Most of our operators already have experience,” says Laynes. “We give them focused training on our rollers - mainly Ammann and Bomag models - so they know exactly how to get the best performance on site.”
Training and consistency are key. With only two brands in its fleet, the company ensures its mechanics become highly specialised, improving both speed and accuracy when breakdowns occur. For contractors, this translates into confidence - knowing the person arriving on-site understands the exact machine they are working on.
More than hire: full rebuilds
Another differentiator is the company’s ability to rebuild rollers from the ground up. “We do complete rebuilds on Ammann ASC 100 rollers,” says Laynes. “We strip the machines, sandblast, repaint, fit new engines, hydraulics, and components. The result is a machine that performs like new.”
This service reflects the company’s deep technical knowledge and extends the life cycle of its fleet, reducing costs for both the business and its customers. Rebuilds also demonstrate Eric’s Roller Hire’s commitment to quality - refurbishing machines to a standard that often exceeds expectations.
A powerful fleet
Eric’s Roller Hire has one of the largest dedicated fleets in South Africa. Laynes notes that Laynes is currently the largest sole owner of Ammann rollers in the world - a distinction that speaks to the company’s scale and focus. Owning the fleet outright also gives the business greater flexibility, ensuring machines are always available without the delays that can come with financing or leasing.
This specialisation ensures technical consistency and positions Eric’s Roller Hire as a trusted partner for contractors who cannot afford downtime. Focusing on two core brands has allowed the company to build unmatched technical knowledge, streamlining parts management and staff training alike.
Market realities
Despite its strengths, the business faces the same challenges as the wider plant hire industry. “The biggest problem is that there are not enough contracts for the number of machines in the market,” Laynes admits. “When larger projects come out, competition is fierce and it usually comes down to price.”
Even so, the company’s reputation for reliability and service continues to give it an edge. “Anyone can buy a high-spec roller. What sets us apart is how quickly we can respond and the relationships we’ve built over time,” says Laynes. The balance of technical capacity, customer service, and strong relationships helps Eric’s Roller Hire stand out even in a competitive and sometimes oversupplied market.
From mechanic to market leader
Founded in August 2002, Eric’s Roller Hire has grown from modest beginnings into a national player. Laynes started as a hands-on mechanic, working in the field and building deep knowledge of roller machines. In 2011, he became one of the South African agents for Ammann product range, undergoing direct training in the Czech Republic, where the machines are built. That expertise remains central to the business today, giving the company rare insight into the inner workings of the rollers it hires out.
This technical foundation, combined with years of practical field experience, forms the backbone of the company’s service philosophy. “Having been in the industry so long, we’ve built a good name,” says Laynes. “Contractors know that if a breakdown happens, we’ll know exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it quickly.”
With over 20 years of experience, a nationwide footprint, and one of the largest roller fleets in the region, Eric’s Roller Hire remains committed to one principle: keeping contractors working. Through preparation, skilled staff, and a personal approach to service, the company continues to give its customers peace of mind - ensuring that deadlines are met and projects stay on course.
As the construction sector continues to evolve, Eric’s Roller Hire stands as proof that in a competitive, price-driven market, trust, expertise, and reliability remain the ultimate differentiators.