Excavator Productivity Calculator
The calculator uses the standard earthmoving output formula: Bank production = (3600 ÷ cycle time in seconds) × bucket capacity × fill factor × job efficiency ÷ swell factor.
Enter Values
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the average bucket cycle time in seconds (dig, swing loaded, dump, return), the bucket capacity in m³, and a bucket fill factor (typically 0.8–1.0 for common ground, lower for rock).
- Enter a job efficiency as a fraction — a common assumption is 50 productive minutes per 60-minute hour = 0.83 — and the material swell factor (loose volume ÷ bank volume, e.g. 1.25 for firm earth).
- Read the bank production (BCM/hr). Optionally add a bank density (t/m³) to also get output in tonnes per hour.
How it works
The calculator uses the standard earthmoving output formula: Bank production = (3600 ÷ cycle time in seconds) × bucket capacity × fill factor × job efficiency ÷ swell factor. The term 3600 ÷ cycle gives theoretical cycles per hour; multiplying by bucket capacity and fill factor gives the loose volume actually moved each hour, and job efficiency scales that down for real-world minor delays.
Dividing loose volume by the swell factor converts loose cubic metres (LCM) back to bank cubic metres (BCM) — the compacted in-situ volume the pit is planned in — because material bulks up when dug. Supplying a bank density (t/m³) multiplies BCM/hr to give tonnes per hour. All results are steady-state hourly rates; actual shift output also depends on availability, haul-truck matching and operator variability.
Worked example
3.5 m³ excavator on a 25-second cycle. A hydraulic excavator has a 3.5 m³ bucket working on a 25-second dig-swing-dump-return cycle. Fill factor is 0.9, job efficiency is 0.83 (about 50 productive minutes per hour), and the swell factor is 1.25. Enter these values and the calculator returns 144 cycles/hr, 376.5 LCM/hr loose, and 301.2 BCM/hr bank production. Adding a bank density of 2.4 t/m³ gives 722.9 t/hr.
Common mistakes
- Mixing loose and bank volumes. Bucket fill delivers a loose (LCM) volume; the pit and reserves are usually measured in bank (BCM). Dividing by the swell factor converts LCM to BCM — omitting it overstates production by 20–35%.
- Entering efficiency or fill factor as a percentage (e.g. 83 or 90) instead of a fraction (0.83 or 0.9). Use decimal fractions between 0 and about 1.1.
- Using a rated (heaped) bucket size without a matching fill factor. If you enter heaped capacity, use a lower fill factor for hard-to-load material; do not double-count by using both a heaped rating and a fill factor near 1.0.
Frequently asked questions
Does this give bank or loose cubic metres?
Both. It shows loose production (LCM/hr, the bulked volume the bucket actually moves) and bank production (BCM/hr, the in-situ volume the pit is planned in). Bank = loose ÷ swell factor. Mine plans and reserves are almost always in BCM, so bank production is the headline figure.
What job efficiency should I use?
A common planning assumption is 50 productive minutes per 60-minute hour, i.e. 0.83. Well-organised operations reach 0.85–0.90; congested, poorly matched or wet sites can drop to 0.70 or below. Efficiency here covers minor operating delays, not whole-shift availability (breakdowns, meal breaks) — apply availability and utilisation separately for shift totals.
How do I convert the hourly rate to tonnes?
Enter a bank density (t/m³) and the tool multiplies BCM/hr by it to give tonnes per hour. Use the in-situ (bank) density of the material — e.g. around 2.4 t/m³ for many hard rocks, less for soils and overburden. Leave density blank if you only want volume.
Why isn't this my actual shift production?
This is a steady-state hourly output at the face. Real shift output also depends on mechanical availability, operator utilisation, and whether enough haul trucks are matched to keep the excavator loading continuously. Combine this rate with a match-factor and availability check to estimate a full shift.
Related tools
- Swell Factor Calculator
- Strip Ratio Calculator
- Drill Utilisation Calculator
- Crusher Throughput Calculator
- Fleet Productivity Calculator
- Shovel Truck Match Factor Calculator
Explore more in Mining, Quarry, Earthworks, Drill & Blast.
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.