Equipment Fuel Cost Calculator

Typical Machine Burn Rates

These are average burn rates under moderate working conditions. Actual consumption varies significantly with application, idle time, and machine condition:

• Cat 320 Excavator: 12–18 L/hr (light to heavy digging)
• Cat 330 Excavator: 16–25 L/hr
• Cat D6 Dozer: 18–28 L/hr
• Cat D10 Dozer: 55–80 L/hr (heavy push)
• Articulated Truck (40-ton): 20–35 L/hr
• Motor Grader: 14–22 L/hr

DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)

All Tier 4 Final machines (built after 2014 in most regions) require DEF to operate the SCR emissions system. DEF consumption is typically 3–5% of diesel volume. Add this to your fuel budget — at high utilization, DEF costs are significant.

Why Track Fuel Per Job?

Fuel is typically the second-largest direct cost on an earthmoving job after labour. Tracking actual vs. estimated burn identifies inefficiencies: excessive idling, worn injectors, poorly-maintained equipment, or incorrect machine selection for the task.

Steep Grade Impact

⚠ Haul roads with grades over 8–10% increase fuel burn by 30–50%. If your site has significant grades, multiply your estimated fuel cost accordingly. This is one of the most underestimated cost factors on cut-and-fill jobs.