In case you have a job that comprises earthmoving, material processing, and surface finish, then the following is a fast how-to guide that will lead you step-wise in the choice of the right machine: backhoe loader for excavating and loading purposes, the jaw crusher for crushing material, and the road roller for compaction and finish. Read it as a step-wise decision tree to  evaluate, compare types, measure cost, then allocate machine against job stage.

Step 1 — Set the mission (don’t jump into action)

 Start with what you really need to accomplish on site. Ask: Do I have to dig, lift, and carry lightly? Will I be grinding rock, concrete, or demolition debris into aggregate? Is long-term surface stability and finish an issue?

This is a fast map (excavate → process → compact) that will immediately reveal if one machine is feasible or if you require a step process to ensure that machine’s compatibility with other installations on your site. 

 Step 2 — Understanding the machines and variations

1. Backhoe loader — the wheeled multitool

What it does: trenching, light demolition, loading, backfilling and short-haul material movement. Options to consider:

• Mini/compact: perfect for urban work and landscaping; less digging depth and horsepower.
• Standard: well-matched excavating depth, loader capacity and versatile for construction work.
• Heavy-duty: greater penetration, higher breakout force — justified where excavators are not economical but muscle is needed.

Key spec tradeoffs: digging depth, hydraulic flow (attachment availability), loader breakout, and transportability. Typical new-mach prices vary substantially by spec — minis are lowest and heavy units are mid-six figures. Usable rental/day cost and lifecycle maintenance (hydraulics, buckets, tires) also shift total cost of ownership.

2. Jaw crusher — the material processor

What it does: reduction of hard material size to usable aggregate. Core variants include: 

• Single-toggle: simpler, lighter, generally less costly and maintenance; suited better for low throughput work. 
• Next is the double-toggle which is better suited for a continued cycle of crushing- larger rocks and for longer periods 
• Mobile jaw crushers which are perfect for quarry faces and movements on roadworks- however are more expensive and thus need way more insight as to suitability of site before any investment is made. 

 Important technological considerations: feed size, gape, reduction ratio, and control of duty cycle throughput (tons/hr). Mobile plants are costly upfront but provide savings in haul-to-plant cost and quick project cycles. Price options range from low-cost bench units to mobile plants.

 3. Road roller—the compaction expert

What it does: Compacts ground, gravel and asphalt in order to create bearing and smoothness. Main types:

• Smooth drum (vibratory or static): excellent with granular materials and at hot mix asphalt finish.
• Padfoot (sheepsfoot): lugs go into and work kneadable clays for increased compaction
• Pneumatic tyre: several passes and tyre pressure create very uniform density — ideal for cold mixes and for thin lifts.
• Combination rollers: combine tyres and drums to mix penetration and finish.

Drum width, diameter, and operating weight are equivalent with lift thickness for best performance. Entry-level walk-behind machine rollers are cheap; ride-on heavy combinations run into the mid-six figures.

Step 3 — Comparison by function, not price and specs

 If mobility + versatility = priority: backhoe loader wins. It is the pragmatic option where you require one machine capable of performing numerous jobs intermittently.

In handling large masses of material: choose the jaw crusher (mobile in the event of relocation). It substitutes costly hauling with crushing, creating usable on-site aggregate.

In case ride quality and surface durability are not negotiable: road roller is indispensable — no alternative for actual compaction.

Step 4 – Cost calculus (beyond sticker price)

When budgeting, include:

• Buy vs lease: smaller jobs generally favor lease; recurring fleets prefer buy.
• Fuel and consumables: The diesel consumption is directly proportional to engine power and the duty cycle. Heavier duty crushers and rollers require a serious hefty budget because they use substantially more fuel. 
• Operator competence: Experienced operators reduce passes, wear and rework − training is a budget line.

 Step 5 — Workflow

1. Preparing the site: Backhoe loader clears and removes topsoil, digs trenches, and manages spoil.
2. Material handling: Supply oversize with loader to the jaw crusher (mobile crusher in case the site is moved). Processed aggregate is stockpiled.
3. Subgrade and surfacing: Spread material, followed by respective roller types – padfoot for cohesive fill, and smooth drum or pneumatic tyre for surface finish.

 Step 6 — Rapid decision checklist

• Single machine for multiple small jobs → backhoe loader.
• The main requirement is total production or demolition recycling→jaw crusher (mobile if there is a probability of relocation).
• Overall objective is long-lasting and quality pavement → road roller (choose drum type to soil/asphalt).

Final recommendations — test, measure, optimize

Don’t purchase blindly. Hire a sample of each type for small trials on typical site conditions. Quantify cycle times (excavation m³/hour, crusher tph, compaction passes required for meeting density) and calculate fuel and labour cost estimates. Want good ROI? You must prepare in advance, listen to industry experts and always, always carry out site inspections before you make a big purchase.