2.2. Calculating Blade Load and Cycle Time

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define cycle time in bulldozer operations.

   Hint

   Consider all parts of the bulldozer work operation.

2. 2.

   What does blade load refer to?

   Hint

   Think about how much soil a dozer can carry in one go.

3. 3.

   What does cycle time consist of?

   • Only push time
   • Cutting
   • pushing
   • and maneuvering time
   • Total time without any adjustments

   Hint

   Think about the full range of actions required for bulldozer operations.

4. 4.

   True or False: Blade load can only be determined through manufacturer specifications.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider practical methods of estimation.

5. 5.

   A bulldozer has a blade capacity of 7 cubic meters and operates with an average cycle time of 25 seconds. How many cubic meters does it produce in an hour assuming perfect job efficiency?

   Hint

   Make sure to calculate the conversion from seconds to hours.

6. 6.

   Given an uphill grade of 20%, if the ideal productivity from production curves is 800 cubic meters per hour, apply a correction factor of 0.8 due to decreased efficiency. What is the adjusted productivity?

   Hint

   Use the correction factor to refine the estimate.