Question

A CAT 834 (power-shift, wheel-type) dozer is used in a pushing operation. The dozer is equipped with a straight blade. The material is in a loose stock pile and weighs 80 pcf in the bank state. It is estimated that the material will swell 4 % from bank to loose state. The center-of-mass-to center of mass pushing is 250 ft on a 0% grade. The operators have average skill and the job will be performed in normal conditions. Job efficiency can be assumed to be equivalent to a 55-min hour. Calculate the direct cost (DC) of the proposed earthmoving operation in dollars per bcy. The normal O & O cost for these machines is $86.00 per hour and the operator’s wage is $12.50 per hour plus 35% for fringes, insurance, worker’s compensation, and so on. Assume that the dozer will have a 0.39 coefficient of traction*.

* For wheel-type dozer and coefficient of traction less than 0.40, decrease production by 4% per 0.01 decrease below 0.40.

Answer 1