Average Excavation Cost Per Hour: 2026 Pricing Guide

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of excavation cost per hour in 2026, aggregating data from national cost databases, contractor pricing surveys, labor statistics, and regional project data. The goal is to establish reliable hourly pricing benchmarks for excavation services across the United States, with specific emphasis on Texas and the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, where soil conditions, labor demand, and development activity continue to push costs above national averages.

All pricing ranges reflect real-world market conditions, including equipment ownership and operating costs, operator labor, fuel, insurance, and utilization assumptions commonly used by professional excavation contractors.

In this report

1. Average Excavation Cost Per Hour: National Overview

Across the United States, excavation services priced by the hour typically range from $110 to $325 per hour, including equipment and a qualified operator. Rates trend higher when projects involve larger machines, challenging subsurface conditions, restricted access, or accelerated schedules.

Hourly pricing is most commonly used for:

  • Utility trenching and repair
  • Foundation and basement excavation
  • Remedial or exploratory excavation
  • Projects with evolving scope or uncertain quantities

Compared to per-cubic-yard pricing, hourly rates provide greater transparency when productivity

is affected by access constraints, soil variability, or coordination with other trades.

1. Average Excavation Cost Per Hour: National Overview 2026

Cost TierTypical Hourly RangeCommon ApplicationsCost Drivers
Light Residential$110 – $150/hrMini excavators, shallow trenching, landscapingEasy access, minimal haul
Standard Excavation$160 – $260/hrFoundations, utilities, site prepMost common nationwide
Heavy / Commercial$275 – $400/hrLarge excavators, deep excavationEquipment size, trucking
Specialty / Difficult$400+/hrRock, caliche, urban congestionPremium labor, low productivity

2. Excavation Cost Per Hour by Project Type

Different excavation scopes require varying equipment, crew coordination, and risk exposure, directly affecting hourly pricing.

Project TypeEquipment Typically UsedAvg. Hourly RateTypical DurationTotal Cost Range
Residential FoundationStandard excavator, backhoe$160 – $2608–24 hrs$1,600 – $6,500
Basement ExcavationLarge excavator + trucks$220 – $35016–40 hrs$5,500 – $18,000
Pool ExcavationMini–standard excavator$130 – $2404–12 hrs$1,200 – $5,500
Driveway / PatioSkid steer, mini excavator$110 – $1904–8 hrs$1,000 – $3,000
Utility TrenchingBackhoe, trencher$130 – $2204–16 hrs$600 – $3,500
Land Grading & LevelingDozer, grader$170 – $3258–24 hrs$1,500 – $8,000
Commercial Site PrepMultiple machines$225 – $450+40–200+ hrs$12,000 – $90,000+

Insight: Commercial and utility work often carries higher hourly rates due to safety requirements, coordination overhead, and downtime risk, even when productivity per hour is high.

3. Excavation Cost Per Hour by Equipment Type

Hourly excavation pricing varies significantly by machine size and capability. The table below compares national averages with Texas and Dallas–Fort Worth pricing, where demand and soil complexity increase operating costs.

Equipment TypeNational AvgTexas AvgDFW AvgTypical Applications
Mini Excavator$110 – $155$120 – $175$130 – $165Trenching, residential
Standard Excavator$160 – $260$185 – $300$210 – $280Foundations, site work
Large Excavator$220 – $375$260 – $425$290 – $395Commercial, deep digs
Backhoe$110 – $210$130 – $235$145 – $215Utilities, backfill
Bulldozer$160 – $325$185 – $375$215 – $350Grading, clearing
Skid Steer$85 – $155$100 – $175$110 – $165Confined spaces

Why Texas runs higher: expansive clay, caliche layers, strong year-round construction demand, and reduced idle capacity.

4. Excavation Labor Costs: Operator Wages and Crew Rates

Labor is a major component of excavation pricing, particularly in competitive metro areas where experienced operators are in short supply.

RoleNational WageTexas WageDFW Wage
Excavator Operator (Entry-Level)$21 – $28$23 – $30$25 – $33
Excavator Operator (Experienced)$28 – $38$30 – $42$32 – $46
Backhoe Operator$23 – $32$26 – $35$28 – $38
Dozer Operator$24 – $34$27 – $37$29 – $40
Heavy Equipment Operator$22 – $36$25 – $39$27 – $42
Excavation Laborer$19 – $26$21 – $30$23 – $33

Labor trend: Contractors increasingly price senior operators at a premium because higher skill reduces rework, utility strikes, and schedule overruns, often lowering total project cost despite higher hourly wages.

5. Excavation Hourly Rates: Regional Comparison

RegionTypical Hourly Ratevs. National AvgKey Cost Factors
National Average$110 – $325BaselineMixed conditions
Texas$180 – $425+15–30%Clay, caliche, demand
California$220 – $475+30–45%Labor & regulation
Florida$130 – $300+5–10%Water table, limestone
New York$190 – $390+20–30%Urban density
Colorado$150 – $330+10–15%Rock, seasonality
Georgia$115 – $280+5–10%Red clay
Illinois$135 – $300+8–12%Frost depth
Arizona$130 – $310+8–12%Hardpan, heat
North Carolina$120 – $285+5–10%Growth-driven demand

6. Maximizing Value: Reducing Excavation Costs

Even in higher-cost regions, disciplined planning can materially reduce excavation spend.

Cost-Control Strategies

  • Obtain 3+ detailed bids with clear scope definitions
  • Schedule work during lower-demand periods when possible
  • Complete site prep and utility marking in advance
  • Bundle excavation tasks to reduce mobilization costs
  • Conduct soil testing before final pricing
  • Match equipment size to scope—avoid over-machining
  • Reuse clean fill onsite where feasible
  • Lock scope early to prevent hourly overruns

Ready to Start Your Dallas-Fort Worth Excavation Project?

Kitching Co. brings over a decade of excavation and underground utility expertise to residential and commercial projects throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Our experienced operators and modern equipment fleet ensure efficient, accurate excavation services delivered on schedule and within budget.

Whether you need residential foundation excavation, commercial site preparation, utility trenching, or precision grading for drainage and underground utilities, our team understands the unique challenges of North Texas excavation—from navigating caliche hardpan to working safely around complex underground utility infrastructure.

We provide transparent hourly pricing, detailed project estimates, and the professional expertise that turns excavation from a stressful uncertainty into a smoothly executed foundation for your project’s success.

Contact Kitching Co. today for a detailed excavation estimate tailored to your specific project requirements, site conditions, and timeline.

Excavation Services in Dallas–Fort Worth

Kitching Co. provides excavation and underground utility services across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, supporting residential, commercial, and municipal projects. With experienced operators, a modern equipment fleet, and transparent hourly pricing, the company delivers excavation work that balances efficiency, accuracy, and cost control—even in challenging North Texas soil conditions.

Whether the project involves foundations, utility trenching, grading, or large-scale site preparation, Kitching Co. applies disciplined planning and execution to keep excavation predictable and efficient.

Contact Kitching Co. for a detailed excavation estimate tailored to your site conditions, schedule, and scope.

References

1.Angi. (2025). “2025 Excavation Cost: A Complete Price Guide.” Retrieved from: https://www.angi.com/articles/excavation-costs.htm

2.HomeGuide. (2025 ). “2025 Excavation Costs — Calculator & Prices By Project & Hour.” Retrieved from: https://homeguide.com/costs/excavation-cost

3.ProMatcher. (2025 ). “Texas Excavation Costs & Prices – Cost Report.” Retrieved from: https://excavation.promatcher.com/cost/texas.aspx

4.TH-Mach. (2025 ). “How Much Does an Excavator Cost: A Complete 2025 Pricing Guide.” Retrieved from: https://www.th-mach.com/How-Much-Does-an-Excavator-Cost

5.ZipRecruiter. (2025 ). “Excavation Laborer Salary: Hourly Rate November 2025.” Retrieved from: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Excavation-Laborer-Salary

6.Salary.com. (2025 ). “Excavation Laborer Salary in the United States.” Retrieved from: https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/excavation-laborer-salary

7.PayScale. (2025 ). “Heavy Equipment Operator Hourly Pay.” Retrieved from: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Heavy_Equipment_Operator/Hourly_Rate

8.SitePrep.com. (2025 ). “Foundation Excavation Cost Guide 2025.” Retrieved from: https://www.siteprep.com/articles/how-much-does-a-foundation-excavation-cost/

9.HomeGuide. (2025 ). “Regional Excavation Cost Variations.” Retrieved from: https://homeguide.com/costs/excavation-cost

10.ProMatcher. (2025 ). “Dallas Excavation Costs & Prices.” Retrieved from: https://excavation.promatcher.com/cost/dallas-tx-excavation-costs-prices.aspx

11.Kitching Co. (2025 ). “Average Excavation Cost Per Yard by Region: 2025 Report.” Retrieved from: https://kitchingco.com/uncategorized/average-excavation-cost-per-yard-by-region-2025-report/

12.Kitching Co. Internal Project Data. (2024-2025 ). Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area excavation projects.

13.FJDynamics. (2025). “Excavator Rental Costs Compared Across Sizes and Models.” Retrieved from: https://www.fjdynamics.com/blog/industry-insights-65/excavator-rental-cost-537

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Land Clearing Cost: 2026 Pricing Guide for Texas & Nationwide

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of excavation cost per hour in 2026, consolidating pricing data from national cost databases, contractor surveys, equipment rental benchmarks, and regional labor statistics. The goal is to provide practical, defensible hourly cost ranges for excavation work across the United States, with a focused lens on Texas and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, where demand, soil conditions, and labor competition continue to push rates above national norms.

All pricing ranges reflect real-world market conditions, including equipment, operator labor, fuel, insurance, and utilization assumptions commonly used by professional excavation contractors.

In this report

1. Average Excavation Cost Per Hour: National Overview

Across the United States, excavation services priced by the hour typically range from $110 to $325 per hour, including equipment and a certified operator. Rates move higher when projects involve:

  • Large or specialized equipment
  • Difficult soil conditions (rock, caliche, expansive clay)
  • Restricted access or urban utility congestion
  • Accelerated schedules or premium labor

Hourly pricing is commonly used for utility trenching, remediation, small-to-mid commercial work, and projects with evolving scope, where per-cubic-yard pricing may introduce unnecessary risk for contractors or owners.

National benchmark (equipment + operator):

  • Low end: $110–$150/hr (mini excavators, light residential work)
  • Mid-range: $160–$260/hr (standard excavation and site prep)
  • High end: $275–$400+/hr (large equipment, rock, commercial sites)
Vegetation Density National Avg. Cost per Acre Texas Avg. Cost per Acre DFW Estimated Mid-Range
Light brush and undergrowth $1,000 – $2,500 $1,500 – $3,000 $2,250
Medium vegetation with small trees $2,000 – $4,000 $2,500 – $4,500 $3,500
Heavy forest with mature trees $4,000 – $7,500 $4,500 – $8,500 $6,500
Very dense wooded lots/challenging terrain $6,000 – $12,000+ $7,000 – $15,000+ $10,000

2. Excavation Cost Per Hour by Project Type

Different excavation scopes demand different equipment, crew coordination, and risk exposure—directly affecting hourly pricing.

Project TypeTypical EquipmentAvg. Hourly RateTypical DurationTotal Cost Range
Residential FoundationStandard excavator, backhoe$160 – $2608–24 hrs$1,600 – $6,500
Basement ExcavationLarge excavator + trucks$220 – $35016–40 hrs$5,500 – $18,000
Pool ExcavationMini–standard excavator$130 – $2404–12 hrs$1,200 – $5,500
Driveway / PatioSkid steer, mini excavator$110 – $1904–8 hrs$1,000 – $3,000
Utility TrenchingBackhoe, trencher$130 – $2204–16 hrs$600 – $3,500
Land Grading & LevelingDozer, grader$170 – $3258–24 hrs$1,500 – $8,000
Commercial Site PrepMultiple machines$225 – $450+40–200+ hrs$12,000 – $90,000+

3. Excavation Cost Per Hour by Equipment Type

The table below compares national, Texas, and Dallas–Fort Worth hourly rates, reflecting regional labor pressure and soil complexity.

Equipment TypeNational AvgTexas AvgDFW AvgCommon Uses
Mini Excavator$110 – $155$120 – $175$130 – $165Trenching, residential
Standard Excavator$160 – $260$185 – $300$210 – $280Foundations, site work
Large Excavator$220 – $375$260 – $425$290 – $395Commercial, deep digs
Backhoe$110 – $210$130 – $235$145 – $215Utilities, backfill
Bulldozer$160 – $325$185 – $375$215 – $350Grading, clearing
Skid Steer$85 – $155$100 – $175$110 – $165Light earthmoving

Why Texas runs higher: caliche layers, expansive clay, strong construction demand, and year-round utilization reduce idle capacity and push rates upward.

4. Excavation Labor Costs: Operator Wages & Crew Rates

Labor remains a major driver of hourly excavation pricing—particularly in metros competing for experienced operators.

RoleNational WageTexas WageDFW Wage
Excavator Operator (Entry)$21 – $28$23 – $30$25 – $33
Excavator Operator (Experienced)$28 – $38$30 – $42$32 – $46
Backhoe Operator$23 – $32$26 – $35$28 – $38
Dozer Operator$24 – $34$27 – $37$29 – $40
Heavy Equipment Operator$22 – $36$25 – $39$27 – $42
Ground Laborer$19 – $26$21 – $30$23 – $33

Key labor trend: Contractors increasingly price senior operators at a premium because higher skill reduces rework, delays, and utility strikes, lowering total project cost even at higher hourly wages.

5. Excavation Hourly Rates: Regional Comparison

RegionTypical Hourly Ratevs. National AvgCost Drivers
National Avg$110 – $325BaselineMixed conditions
Texas$180 – $425+15–30%Clay, caliche, demand
California$220 – $475+30–45%Labor & regulation
Florida$130 – $300+5–10%Water table, limestone
New York$190 – $390+20–30%Urban density
Colorado$150 – $330+10–15%Rock, seasonality
Georgia$115 – $280+5–10%Red clay
Illinois$135 – $300+8–12%Frost depth
Arizona$130 – $310+8–12%Hardpan, heat
North Carolina$120 – $285+5–10%Growth-driven demand

6. Maximizing Value: Controlling Excavation Hourly Costs

Even in high-cost regions, disciplined planning can materially reduce excavation spend.

Cost-Control Strategies

  • Secure 3+ detailed quotes with scope clarity
  • Schedule work during non-peak demand periods
  • Complete site prep and utility marking in advance
  • Bundle excavation tasks to reduce mobilization
  • Conduct soil testing before final pricing
  • Match equipment size to scope—avoid over-machining
  • Reuse clean fill onsite where feasible
  • Lock scope early to prevent hourly overruns

Choosing a Land Clearing Contractor in Texas

When selecting an excavation and land clearing company for your Texas project, prioritize contractors who demonstrate:

Essential Qualifications:

  • Licensed and insured for excavation work in Texas.
  • Minimum 5 years experience with regional vegetation (cedar, mesquite, oak).
  • Modern equipment suitable for project scope.
  • Knowledge of local permitting requirements.
  • References from recent projects in your area.

Red Flags to Avoid:

  • Contractors unwilling to provide detailed written estimates.
  • Pressure to pay large deposits upfront (standard is 10-25%).
  • Lack of proper insurance documentation.
  • No established business location or equipment yard.
  • Prices significantly below market rates (often indicates inadequate insurance or poor equipment).

Excavation Services in Dallas–Fort Worth

Kitching Co. provides excavation and underground utility services throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, supporting residential, commercial, and municipal projects. With experienced operators, well-maintained equipment, and transparent hourly pricing, the firm delivers excavation work that balances speed, accuracy, and cost control—even in challenging North Texas soil conditions.

Whether the project involves foundations, utility trenching, grading, or large-scale site preparation, Kitching Co. applies disciplined planning and execution to keep excavation predictable and efficient.

Request a detailed excavation estimate tailored to your site conditions, schedule, and scope.

References

1.Angi. (2025). How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land? [2025 Data]. Retrieved from: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-clear-land.htm

2.APX Construction Group. (2025 ). Average Cost To Clear Land In 2025: A Developer’s Guide. Retrieved from: https://apxconstructiongroup.com/average-cost-to-clear-land/

3.HomeGuide. (2025 ). 2025 Land Clearing Costs | Avg. Cost Per Acre. Retrieved from: https://homeguide.com/costs/land-clearing-cost

4.LawnStarter. (2025 ). Pricing Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land?. Retrieved from: https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/cost/clear-land-price/

5.Lawn Love. (2025 ). How Much Does it Cost to Clear Land in 2025?. Retrieved from: https://lawnlove.com/blog/land-clearing-cost/

6.HomeGuide. (2025 ). 2025 Forestry Mulching Prices | Cost Per Hour, Acre & Day. Retrieved from: https://homeguide.com/costs/forestry-mulching-cost

7.Angi. (2025 ). What Does Forestry Mulching Cost? [2025 Data]. Retrieved from: https://www.angi.com/articles/forestry-mulching-cost.htm

8.RJT Construction LLC. (2024 ). How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land in Texas? A Comprehensive Guide. Retrieved from: https://rjt-constructionllc.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-clear-land-in-texas-a-comprehensive-guide/

9.Lone Star Clearing. (2025 ). Land Clearing Prices. Retrieved from: https://bushwackerslandclearing.com/land-clearing-prices/

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Average Excavation Productivity Rate: 2026 Industry Benchmarks

Average Excavation Productivity Rate: 2026 Industry Benchmarks & Performance Data

Excavation productivity directly influences project schedules, labor efficiency, and contractor profitability. Industry performance data shows that excavation output can vary by 300% or more depending on equipment size, soil conditions, site constraints, and operator experience. Understanding current productivity benchmarks allows excavation and utility contractors to estimate job duration accurately, select the right equipment, price risk correctly, and identify performance gaps before they impact margins.

This report presents 2026 excavation productivity benchmarks derived from contractor time logs, equipment specifications, and field performance data across residential, commercial, utility, and infrastructure projects in the United States.

In this report

Understanding Excavation Productivity Measurement

Excavation productivity rate quantifies how much material an excavator or similar equipment can move within a specific timeframe. The standard measurement unit in the United States is cubic yards per hour (CY/hr), though international projects often use cubic meters per hour (m³/hr).

The basic productivity formula is:

Productivity Rate =
Material Volume Moved
Time Required

For example, an excavator that moves 180 cubic yards of soil in 6 hours achieves a productivity rate of 30 CY/hr.

This measurement accounts for actual digging time only. Real-world productivity must factor in setup time, equipment repositioning, material loading cycles, and site-specific delays. Most estimators apply an efficiency factor (or job and management factor) between 50% to 83% (or 50 minutes of productive work per hour) to convert theoretical maximum productivity into realistic job estimates[2][3].

Key Measurement Terms

TermDefinitionRelationship to Volume
Bank Cubic Yards (BCY)Material volume in its natural, undisturbed state before excavation.Baseline volume (100%)
Loose Cubic Yards (LCY)Material volume after excavation, which expands (swells) by 10–40% depending on soil type.Greater than BCY
Compacted Cubic Yards (CCY)Material volume after compaction, typically 5–15% less than bank volume.Less than BCY

Contractors must specify which measurement standard they are using when comparing productivity rates or preparing estimates. A productivity rate of 120 LCY/hr does not equal 120 BCY/hr for the same equipment.

1. Excavation Productivity Rates by Equipment Size

The table below reflects typical 2026 productivity benchmarks by excavator class under common earth conditions and average operator efficiency.

Equipment ClassWeight Range (Tons)Typical Bucket Capacity (CY)Productivity Rate (BCY/hr)Optimal Applications
Mini Excavators1–5 tons0.5–0.7 CY15–30 CY/hrResidential trenching, landscaping, tight access areas
Small Excavators6–10 tons0.8–1.2 CY30–60 CY/hrUtility work, small foundations, site preparation
Medium Excavators11–25 tons1.3–2.0 CY60–120 CY/hrCommercial foundations, road work, drainage projects
Large Excavators26–50 tons2.1–4.0 CY120–200 CY/hrMass excavation, large-scale grading, highway projects
Heavy-Duty Excavators50+ tons4.0–8.0 CY200–300+ CY/hrMining operations, major infrastructure, deep excavation

Research Note: Productivity rates are compiled from equipment manufacturer specifications and field performance data collected across construction projects between 2023-2024.

Field Insight

  • Each 0.5 CY increase in bucket size typically adds 15–25 CY/hr, assuming similar cycle times
  • Larger machines maintain productivity better in dense or cohesive soils
  • Operator performance can create ±40% variance on the same machine

2. Productivity Rates by Project Type

Different types of excavation projects require distinct methods and deliver varying productivity rates due to unique site conditions and operational challenges.

Project TypeAvg. DepthEquipmentProductivity (BCY/hr)Key Constraints
Utility Trenching4–8 ftSmall–Medium Excavator40–80Frequent stops, shoring, inspections
Foundation Excavation6–12 ftMedium–Large Excavator80–150High efficiency with good access
Site Grading1–4 ftLarge Excavator / Dozer100–200Open area, continuous operation
Roadway Excavation2–6 ftLarge Excavator + Trucks120–180Traffic control, haul coordination
Deep Basement15–30 ftLarge Excavator + Crane60–100Restricted access, hoisting
Drainage Ditches3–6 ftSmall–Medium Excavator50–90Precision grading, slope control

Project-Specific Observations

  • Utility trenching productivity drops 30–45% in congested corridors
  • Foundation excavation offers the highest productivity per dollar
  • Excavations deeper than 15 ft typically experience 40–50% output reduction

3. Soil Type Impact on Productivity Rates

Material characteristics represent the single largest variable in excavation productivity. The same excavator can achieve drastically different output rates depending on what it is digging. The table below uses a productivity multiplier against a baseline of 1.00× for Topsoil/Loam.

Soil TypeDescriptionMultiplierExample Rate
Loose Sand / GravelFree-flowing1.10–1.20×65–70 CY/hr
Topsoil / LoamBaseline material1.00×55–60 CY/hr
Common EarthMixed soil0.85–0.95×50–55 CY/hr
Dry ClayCohesive0.70–0.85×40–50 CY/hr
Wet ClaySticky, high moisture0.50–0.70×30–40 CY/hr
HardpanDense layers0.40–0.60×25–35 CY/hr
Fractured RockRequires hammer0.20–0.40×12–24 CY/hr
Solid RockBlasting required0.05–0.15×3–9 CY/hr

Key Takeaways

  • Wet clay can cut productivity by up to 50%
  • Rock excavation should trigger separate pricing and scope language
  • Dewatering can materially improve output and justify its cost

4. Operator Skill & Efficiency Factors

Equipment specifications provide theoretical maximum productivity, but real-world performance depends heavily on operator capability and site conditions.

FactorProductivity ImpactMitigation
Operator Experience±40% varianceTraining & operator assignment
Equipment Condition10–25% lossPreventive maintenance
Site Layout15–30% lossPlanned haul routes
Weather20–60% lossSchedule buffers
Haul Distance5–15% per 50 ftOptimize spoil placement

Operational Insight

  • Skilled operators maintain cycle-time variance within 5–10%
  • Poorly maintained equipment outperforms newer machines less often than assumed
  • Productivity is driven more by hydraulics and cutting edges than machine age

Efficiency Optimization Insights:

• The 50-minute work hour assumption: Industry standard estimating assumes excavators perform productive work for 50 minutes per hour (83% efficiency), accounting for normal breaks, repositioning, and minor delays [2]. Projects that achieve 55+ productive minutes per hour exceed baseline productivity estimates by 10%.

• Cycle time consistency indicates skilled operators: Experienced operators maintain cycle times within 5-10% variance throughout the day. Novice operators show 25-40% variance in cycle times, with significant slowdowns as fatigue sets in.

• Equipment age affects productivity less than maintenance quality: A well-maintained 10-year-old excavator can match or exceed productivity of a poorly maintained 2-year-old machine. Hydraulic system efficiency and cutting edge sharpness drive productivity more than equipment age.

5. Calculating Cost Per Cubic Yard

Cost per CY = (Equipment Cost/hr + Labor Cost/hr) ÷ Productivity Rate

Cost per CY =
Equipment Rate per Hour + Labor Rate per Hour
Productivity Rate
ScenarioCost/hrProductivityCost per CY
Ideal Conditions$240110 CY/hr$2.18
Average Conditions$24090 CY/hr$2.67
Difficult Conditions$24060 CY/hr$4.00
Rock / Hammer$29025 CY/hr$11.60

6. Key Drivers of Excavation Performance

DriverImpactBest Practice
Site Prep+15–25%Clear access & routes
Truck CoordinationPrevent idle time1 excavator : 3–5 trucks
Bucket Selection+30%Match bucket to material
Operator Fatigue−10–15%Shift rotation
Utility Locates−40–50%Build verification time

Benchmarking Excavation Performance

Contractors using telematics and job-cost tracking consistently report 12–18% efficiency gains within one year of implementation.

Key metrics to track:

  • Cubic yards per hour
  • CY per gallon of fuel
  • Cycle time consistency
  • Estimated vs. actual output

Requesting a Copy of This Report

Kitching Co. specializes in excavation and utility construction services throughout the region. Our experienced operators and well-maintained equipment fleet consistently achieve industry-leading productivity rates across residential, commercial, and municipal projects. Whether you need utility trenching, site preparation, or foundation excavation, we combine technical expertise with efficient execution to complete your project on time and on budget.

For a detailed project estimate or to discuss how our excavation services can support your upcoming project, contact Kitching Co today.

References

[1] Dig Robotics. (2025, January 27). Dig Robotics – what is the future of excavation? Retrieved from https://www.foundamental.com/perspectives/dig-robotics—what-is-the-future-of-excavation
[2] BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. (2010, January 27). Productivity Estimating Guide. Retrieved from https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/forestry/timber-pricing/interior-timber-pricing/north_area_ece_productivity_estimating_guide.pdf
[3] Drahmedelyamany. (n.d.). Excavation Equipment: Shovel. Retrieved from http://drahmedelyamany.weebly.com/uploads/7/0/1/0/7010103/5-excavation_equipment-shovel-1.pdf

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