Enthusiast Corner
Cycle Time Breakdown: How to Shave Seconds That Add Up to Hours
In heavy equipment operations, seconds matter. Whether you’re running an excavator, wheel loader, or dozer, shaving just a few seconds off each cycle can translate into hours saved over a day — and even bigger gains over a week or month. That’s why understanding cycle time is more than just an efficiency metric — it’s a core skill for operators and fleet managers alike.
Let’s break down what cycle time is, where seconds are lost, and how small changes in technique can lead to major productivity gains.
What Is Cycle Time?
Cycle time is the total time it takes to complete one full operation cycle. For an excavator, for example, this could be:
- Digging the material
- Swinging to the dump location
- Dumping the load
- Returning to the dig site
For loaders, dozers, or trucks, cycle time works similarly — load, move, dump, return. Every pause, misalignment, or hesitation adds seconds, which accumulate across hundreds of cycles per day.
Breaking Down the Cycle
Let’s look at a typical excavator cycle:
- Positioning and Digging
- Proper bucket angle and depth make the first cut smoother.
- Hesitation or overdigging can add 2–5 seconds per pass.
- Swing to Dump Location
- A wide swing wastes time. Optimize swing radius and use shortest safe path.
- Dumping
- Smooth, controlled movement prevents spillage, but jerky motions slow the cycle.
- Return to Dig
- Plan your path to minimize travel distance and avoid obstacles.
Tip: Video or telematics can help break down cycle components and identify bottlenecks.
How Operators Can Shave Seconds
- Anticipate Movements – Think one step ahead. Set up the next load while dumping the current one.
- Optimize Bucket Fill – A full bucket every time reduces trips. Angle and depth matter.
- Use Efficient Swing Paths – Avoid backtracking or wide arcs. Keep the machine balanced while swinging.
- Smooth, Consistent Controls – Sudden movements waste energy and slow the cycle.
- Communicate With Your Team – Dump trucks or spotters waiting can create wasted seconds. Timing matters.
- Know Your Machine – Each machine has optimal hydraulic flow, boom speed, and lift capabilities. Master them.
Technology That Helps
Modern machines equipped with telemetry and cycle tracking allow operators and managers to see exactly where seconds are lost. Some machines even suggest optimal bucket paths or display cycle time averages in real time. Using this data helps refine technique and improve overall efficiency.
The Big Picture
A few seconds saved per cycle may not seem like much — but in a single 8-hour shift, those small gains multiply into hours of productivity. Over a month, it can mean more completed loads, less fuel burned, and less wear on your equipment.
Cycle time mastery is about more than speed — it’s about working smarter, not harder.
Seconds add up. Master your cycle, and you’ll master your machine — and your productivity.
