Excavator Cycle Time Calculator

Break cycle time into clear measurable steps. Add bucket, efficiency, and haul factors for accuracy. Get production rates and optimize each pass safely now.

Tip: Keep units consistent. Use realistic time components from field observations.

Inputs

Cycle time components
Enter average values per cycle. Measure multiple cycles for accuracy.
Time to load the bucket.
Loaded swing to dump point.
Dump and clear the bucket.
Empty swing back to dig face.
Position bucket to start next cut.
Minor adjustments per cycle.
Short waits, operator checks, minor interruptions.
Use when machine repositions each cycle.
Only used if enabled above.
Bucket and material
These inputs convert cycles into volume and mass rates.
m³
Use struck or heaped capacity consistently.
%
Typical range: 80–110%.
Example: 1.25 means 25% swell.
t/m³
Used for tonnes per hour (loose basis).
Efficiency factors
These reduce ideal production to match real site conditions.
%
Accounts for breaks, waits, minor stoppages.
%
Accounts for skill and consistency.
m³
Optional. Estimate hours needed for this target.

Example data table

Scenario Cycle components (sec) Bucket (m³) Fill (%) Swell Eff. (job × operator) Cycle time Bank m³/hr
Trench loading 12 + 6 + 4 + 5 + 2 + 3 + 2 1.20 95 1.25 0.80 × 0.90 34.0s ~77.3
Short swing, clean spoil 10 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 1 1.00 105 1.20 0.85 × 0.95 26.0s ~97.8
Long swing, busy truck queue 14 + 10 + 5 + 9 + 3 + 4 + 6 1.50 90 1.30 0.75 × 0.85 51.0s ~53.9
Values above are illustrative. Field times vary by operator, material, and truck spotting.

Formula used

Cycle time
Total cycle time is the sum of time components:
Tcycle = Tdig + Tswing,loaded + Tdump + Tswing,empty + Treturn + Tspot + Tdelay (+ Ttravel)
Cycles per hour
Theoretical cycles per hour:
Cth = 3600 / Tcycle
Effective cycles per hour apply efficiencies:
Ceff = Cth × Ejob × Eop
Volume conversion
Loose volume per cycle:
Vloose = Bucket × FillFactor
Bank volume per cycle:
Vbank = Vloose / Swell
Production rates
Production (m³/hr):
Q = V × Ceff
Mass rate (t/hr, loose basis):
M = Qloose × Density

How to use this calculator

  1. Record at least 10–20 cycles and average each time component.
  2. Choose seconds or minutes, then enter cycle components consistently.
  3. Set bucket capacity, fill factor, swell factor, and loose density.
  4. Apply job and operator efficiencies to match real conditions.
  5. Add an optional bank volume target to estimate total hours.
  6. Run the calculation, then export results to CSV or PDF.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.