Bulldozer Production Calculator

This calculator estimates hourly production using cycle-based earthmoving logic. Travel is split into a loaded push and an unloaded return.

• v(m/s) = v(km/h) × 1000 ÷ 3600
• t_push = D ÷ v_loaded, t_return = D ÷ v_return
• t_cycle = t_push + t_return + t_fixed
• V_cycle(loose) = V_blade × Fill
• Cycles/hr = 3600 ÷ t_cycle
• Correction = Utilization × Operator × Grade
• Q_loose(m³/h) = Cycles/hr × V_cycle × Correction
• Q_bank(m³/h) = Q_loose ÷ (1 + Swell%)
• Tonnes/hr = Q_bank × BankDensity (optional)

1. Enter blade capacity and fill factor for your material.
2. Set push distance and realistic loaded/return speeds.
3. Add fixed time for turns, shifting, and blade reset.
4. Apply utilization, operator, and grade/rolling corrections.
5. Use swell to convert loose output to bank volume.
6. Optional: add bank density to view tonnes per hour.
7. Press Submit to view results and export files.

Example outputs are indicative; field timing is recommended for calibration.

Bulldozer production is driven by one simple idea: how much material moves per cycle, and how many safe cycles you can repeat in an hour. This calculator estimates hourly and shift output by combining blade capacity, fill factor, travel time, and real‑world efficiency allowances. It is suitable for preliminary planning, method statements, and tender comparisons where consistent assumptions matter.

Cycle time is the foundation. Travel time is computed from push and return speeds over the one‑way distance. Fixed time (turns, blade reset, gear changes, spotting, minor delays) is added to each cycle to reflect practical operation. Small differences in cycle time compound quickly; a 10‑second increase across a shift can reduce hundreds of cubic meters on short pushes.

Material per cycle starts with rated blade capacity and is adjusted using the fill factor. Use a lower fill factor for wet, sticky, oversized, or mixed material; use higher values only when the blade consistently carries a full load. Swell converts loose volume back to bank (in‑situ) volume when payment or design quantities are specified in bank measure. If you also track mass, enter bank density to calculate tonnes per hour.

Efficiency factors translate ideal cycles into realistic production. Utilization represents time actually pushing (allowing for breaks, refueling, traffic, and waiting). Operator factor captures skill and consistency, while grade/rolling factor represents resistance from slope, surface roughness, rolling, and traction limits that reduce achievable speed and effective load. These multipliers are intentionally separate so you can test improvements such as better haul road condition, clearer dumping areas, shorter maneuvering, improved traffic control, or operator coaching.

Example (similar to the table): blade 5.0 m³, fill 0.90, distance 50 m, push 4 km/h, return 7 km/h, fixed times 12 s + 6 s, utilization 0.85, operator 0.95, grade 0.90, swell 1.25, shift 8 h. The cycle time is about 88.7 s, giving roughly 40.6 cycles/hour. Loose volume per hour is 5.0×0.90×40.6 ≈ 182.7 m³/h. With efficiency U×O×G ≈ 0.727, effective loose output is ≈ 132.7 m³/h. With swell 1.25, bank production is ≈ 106.2 m³/h, or about 850 m³ per shift. With bank density 1.80 t/m³, this is approximately 191 t/h.

Use results to compare push distance options, identify bottlenecks, and check whether targets are feasible under safe speed limits. For better certainty, time 10 to 20 cycles on site, confirm average speeds, and apply your organization’s standard delay allowances. Re‑run the calculator after every major change in haul route, material condition, or crew coordination to keep plans aligned with actual field performance.

Q1. What is the most important input for production accuracy?

Cycle time. Measure real push and return speeds and include fixed delays. Small timing errors multiply across hundreds of cycles, so field timing improves forecasts more than any single capacity assumption.

Q2. Should I use loose or bank volume for reporting?

Use loose volume for hauling and stockpiling. Use bank volume for excavation payment, design quantities, and cut/fill balance. Apply swell to convert loose output to bank output consistently across your estimate.

Q3. How do I choose a fill factor?

Start with material condition and blade loading consistency. Use lower values for wet, sticky, rocky, or mixed material. Increase only if the blade consistently carries near-full loads without excessive spill.

Q4. What do utilization and operator factors represent?

Utilization covers downtime such as breaks, fueling, traffic, and waiting. Operator factor reflects skill, gear selection, and consistency. Keeping them separate helps identify whether delays are operational or human-performance related.

Q5. Why add a grade/rolling factor if I already entered speeds?

Speeds are often optimistic. Grade/rolling factor reduces ideal production to account for resistance, rough ground, slopes, and traction limits that lower effective load and safe travel speed over time.

Q6. How can I improve production without changing the dozer?

Shorten push distance, improve the haul route, minimize turning and spotting, maintain consistent windrows, and coordinate dump areas. Small reductions in fixed time and delays often deliver the fastest gains.

Q7. When should I trust the tonnes per hour result?

Only when bank density is confirmed for the material and moisture state. If density varies, report volume as primary and use tonnes as a secondary check for trucking, blending, or disposal planning.

• Measure cycle time on site for the most reliable forecast.
• Use lower fill factors for sticky, oversized, or rocky material.
• Grade/rolling factor represents resistance not modeled in speed.
• For downhill return, ensure speed is safe and achievable.
• Apply your company’s standard allowances for delays and breaks.