What goes into a true cost-per-hour?

The big three are fuel, scheduled maintenance (filters, oils, undercarriage, tyres) and depreciation. Operator wages, insurance and finance interest are layered on top depending on how you account internally.

What fuel burn should I use?

Typical South African yellow plant burns 10-15 L/h for a 5-ton TLB, 18-28 L/h for a 20-ton excavator, and 25-40 L/h for a dozer or grader. Use OEM spec sheets for accuracy.

What maintenance percentage is realistic?

Most asset managers budget 8-12% of acquisition price per year for full maintenance on used yellow plant, lower for new machines under warranty.

How do I lower cost per hour?

Run the machine more hours per year (spreads depreciation), buy newer (lower maintenance), and right-size the machine for the job so you're not burning fuel under-utilising it.

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Operating Cost-Per-Hour Calculator

Estimate the true cost of running a piece of yellow plant in South Africa. Combines fuel, scheduled maintenance and depreciation into a defensible R/hour number you can use for quoting jobs.

Your machine

Acquisition price

Hours per year1500 h/yr

Fuel burn18 L/h

Diesel priceR 22.50/L

Maintenance (% of price / yr)10%

Useful life

Cost per hour

Total operating cost

R585 00 / hr

R877 500 00 per year @ 1500 h/yr

Fuel: R405 00 / hr
Maintenance: R80 00 / hr
Depreciation: R100 00 / hr

Indicative only. Excludes operator wages, finance interest, insurance and overheads.

Browse machines Finance calculator Rent-to-Own instead

Fuel-first

Diesel is usually the single biggest variable cost.

Maintenance realism

8-12% of price/year is a defensible budget.

Utilisation matters

More hours/year spreads depreciation thinner.