How to use it
- Enter the Engine Power in kW from the machine nameplate or spec sheet. If the manual gives horsepower, multiply hp by 0.7457 to get kW.
- Set the Load Factor, from 0 to 1, for the share of full power the machine really uses over a shift. Digging and hauling sit well below 1 once idling and waiting are included.
- Check the Specific Fuel Consumption in L/kWh. The default 0.24 is a reasonable starting value for a diesel engine; use the manufacturer’s figure if you have it.
- Enter the Hours per Day the machine works.
- Read Fuel per Hour (L/hr) and Fuel per Day (L/day), and multiply by the number of days and machines for the job total.
The formula
Fuel per hour (L/hr) = engine power (kW) × load factor × specific fuel consumption (L/kWh). Fuel per day = fuel per hour × hours per day.
What changes the result
The load factor is the biggest unknown. A machine that digs hard all shift runs near the top of its range, while one that waits for trucks or idles uses much less, so a lower factor covers idle time. Specific fuel consumption varies with the engine, its load and its condition. For a budget, compare the estimate with the actual fuel log of a similar machine on your site and adjust the load factor to match.
Planning fuel on UAE sites
Diesel for site equipment is delivered by bowser to many projects, so the daily figure helps you size the tank and the refuelling schedule. Diesel prices in the UAE are set monthly, so price the fuel at the current rate when you convert litres to AED. Hot summer working lowers hours per day, and long idling in the heat still burns fuel, so count idle time in the load factor.
Worked examples
- A 180 kW excavator at a load factor of 0.6 burns about 25.92 L/hr, which is 207.36 L/day over an 8 hour day.
- A 220 kW wheel loader at 0.5 load and 0.25 L/kWh over a 10 hour shift uses 27.5 L/hr and 275 L/day.
- A 100 kW generator running a 12 hour day at a 0.75 load burns 18.75 L/hr and needs 225 L/day delivered.
Fuel use by engine power
Printable chart| Engine power (kW) | Litres per hour | Litres per 8 h day |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 7.2 L/hr | 57.6 L/day |
| 75 | 10.8 L/hr | 86.4 L/day |
| 100 | 14.4 L/hr | 115.2 L/day |
| 150 | 21.6 L/hr | 172.8 L/day |
| 200 | 28.8 L/hr | 230.4 L/day |
| 250 | 36 L/hr | 288 L/day |
| 300 | 43.2 L/hr | 345.6 L/day |
| 400 | 57.6 L/hr | 460.8 L/day |
| 500 | 72 L/hr | 576 L/day |
At a load factor of 0.6, specific fuel consumption of 0.24 L/kWh and an 8 hour day. Change the inputs above for your own machine.
Frequently asked questions
How much fuel does construction equipment use per hour?
It depends on the engine power and the work. Multiply the engine kW by the load factor and by the specific fuel consumption; the table above shows typical power ratings.
How do I calculate the fuel consumption of an excavator?
Enter its engine power in kW, a load factor for how hard it works, and the hours per day. The table above lists common power ratings.
What load factor should I use?
A load factor of 0.5 to 0.7 is common for heavy equipment, and lower if the machine idles or waits a lot. Your own fuel records are the best guide.
How do I convert horsepower to kW for this estimator?
Multiply horsepower by 0.7457 to get kilowatts. The hp to kW converter on this site does it for you.
Does the estimate include idling?
Only through the load factor. Use a lower factor if the machine spends a good part of the shift idling.
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