2.3. Productivity Limitations Beyond Balance Number

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the balance number calculation formula?

   Hint

   Think about how time impacts efficiency.

2. 2.

   What happens when you exceed the balance number?

   Hint

   How many trucks can a loader realistically serve?

3. 3.

   What is the formula for calculating the balance number?

   • Truck cycle / Loader cycle
   • Loader cycle / Truck cycle
   • Truck cycle + Loader cycle

   Hint

   Think about which machine's time controls the other.

4. 4.

   True or False: Increasing the number of trucks beyond the balance number improves productivity.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall what limits production capacity.

5. 5.

   Given the loader can handle 90 cubic meters per hour and costs of trucks increase, how would you recommend managing truck numbers for optimal efficiency?

   Hint

   Reflect on how many trucks are needed to match loader productivity.

6. 6.

   Evaluate what impact rental or maintenance costs of vehicles may have on keeping to the balance number in your project plan.

   Hint

   Think about trade-offs between machine counts, capacity and financial implications.