Evaluation of Effect of the Excavator Cycle Duration on its Productivity

Abstract

Hydraulic excavators currently used at open pit mines, in particular backhoes, are more maneuverable, mobile and have more digging capabilities than rope shovels. This makes them suitable for a variety of conditions: top and bottom digging, loading lower, higher and at the standing level. The variants of mutual arrangement of the excavator and the dump truck, respectively, affect the duration of the excavator cycle, which, in turn, directly affects the productivity of the excavator. This article evaluates changes in the productivity of an excavator, depending on its angle of rotation and options for digging and loading. It is determined that the smaller the swing angle of an excavator, the greater its impact on productivity. Based on the executed calculations relative decrease in productivity (in percent from the most optimum variant) is established. Results of work can be used at planning of open pit mining for the purpose of definition, for example, speed of mining front movement at change of parameters of an excavator face and a type of a digging and loading.