5.3. Determining Truck Payload

But the loading time will be number of bucket loads multiplied by the bucket cycle time.

Another important thing you have to keep in mind is, for any machine whatever maybe the mission we have discussed about different types of machines so far. All the machines we are concerned about the safe gravimetric capacity of the machine. For every machine what is this safe operating load in terms of weight is given by the manufacturer, so that we call it as a gravimetric capacity.

The loading time for a truck is determined by the number of bucket loads and the cycle time of each bucket. It's crucial to understand that every machine, including trucks, has a maximum safe load it can handle, known as the gravimetric capacity. This weight limit is specified by the manufacturer to ensure safe operation and prevent equipment damage.

Think of gravimetric capacity as the maximum weight a shelf can hold. Just like if you overload a shelf, it might break, similarly, overloading a truck can lead to mechanical failures.

So, only that capacity your machine can take because the structural frame of the machine is designed to handle that particular load only. So, we are not supposed to load the machine beyond the gravimetric capacity. So, since the density of material can vary from case to case, it is always advisable to check whether the load weight is within the safe gravimetric capacity.

Machinery is designed to carry specific loads safely. It’s crucial to ensure that the load's weight does not exceed this capacity. The density of the material being loaded can change, so for accurate assessment, you must calculate the actual weight of the cargo by knowing the density of the material and checking it against the gravimetric capacity.

This is similar to a moving truck that has a weight limit; if you know the items' weights (like boxes), you can determine if they fit within that limit to avoid issues during transport.

If the material which you are going to handle is less denser, in that case it will not create much problem, you have to check whether the loaded weight in the truck is within the gravimetric capacity. But if the material is going to be denser like wet sand or other denser material, what happens is there are more chances that your machine maybe overloaded.

The density of the material plays a significant role in load management. Materials with lower density (like dry soil) can be loaded in greater quantities without risk, while denser materials (like wet sand) can quickly lead to overload, risking damage to the truck.

Imagine carrying a backpack; if you fill it with feathers (low density), you can carry more than if you fill it with books (high density) because the books weigh much more.

That means the weight of material in the truck will be above the safe gravimetric capacity defined by the manufacturer. In that case, it will result in lot of wear and tear to the machine, so particularly your tires will flex and it will result in abusing of tires.

Overloading a truck leads to serious mechanical issues. The weight exceeding the gravimetric capacity causes undue stress on components like tires, leading to faster wear and a higher operating cost due to increased maintenance and replacement.

Just like driving a car with over-inflated or flat tires--doing so for a long period can damage the tires and make the driving unsafe. Similarly, overloading a truck increases repair costs and reduces its lifespan.

So, you know that for most of the machines the tire cost almost to 35% of the truck operating cost. So, if you overload the machine it will result in abusing of tires and it will increase the tire cost significantly.

The economic implications of overloading are significant. Tires account for a substantial part of operational costs (up to 35%). Overloading not only increases wear and tear but also escalates costs related to tire replacement, thereby affecting the overall project budget.

It’s like having to replace the tires on your car frequently because you drive it recklessly; the costs add up quickly, leading to a much higher total cost of ownership.

So, this thing you should keep in mind that like by keeping side boards and the keeping overloading the trucks though you are able to increase the productivity for a shorter time. Those benefits will be only for a shorter time, this is because if you keep on overloading your truck it will result in premature aging of the truck, and it will result in huge loss for you, it will result in yearly replacement of your truck.

While overloading may seem to enhance productivity initially, the long-term effects are detrimental. Continuous overloading leads to early wear and necessitates more frequent truck replacements, significantly raising ownership costs over time.

Consider a person who pushes themselves to work long hours without rest. They might be productive for a few days but will inevitably face burnout, leading to time off work, which is more costly in the long run than pacing themselves.

So, you have to replace the truck with a new truck, that will result in huge ownership cost for you. So, that is why you should not overload the truck.

In conclusion, adhering to the gravimetric capacity is vital for maintaining equipment integrity and minimizing costs. Overloading trucks not only risks safety but greatly inflates both operational and maintenance costs, emphasizing the need for responsible load management.

Maintaining the right balance, like following a diet without excessive indulgence, ensures long-term health. The same principle applies to machinery; by respecting limits, you avoid costly consequences.

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