Estimate bobcat or skid steer hours needed for earthwork. Enter volume and production rate to calculate equipment time and rental cost.
Bobcats and skid steers are the most versatile machines on any construction or landscaping site. From digging and grading to loading trucks and spreading material, these compact machines handle a wide range of tasks. But how long will the job take — and how much will it cost? Those are the questions this calculator answers.
By entering the total volume of material to move and the estimated production rate, you'll get the hours needed to complete the work. Production rates vary from 25 to 50 cubic yards per hour depending on the machine size, bucket capacity, operator skill, and working conditions. A small S70 moves far less than a large T870.
Whether you're renting a bobcat for a weekend project or estimating equipment time for a bid, this tool turns volume into hours and hours into dollars, giving you a clear picture of the time and cost involved.
Precise calculations are essential for meeting regulatory requirements, passing inspections, and ensuring the long-term structural integrity and safety of the completed project.
Bobcat rentals are charged by the hour, day, or week. Knowing the hours needed helps you choose the most economical rental period and avoid paying for idle machine time. It also helps contractors estimate equipment costs in their project bids. Having precise numbers at hand streamlines project planning discussions with clients, architects, and subcontractors, building trust and reducing costly misunderstandings on the job.
Hours = Volume (yd³) ÷ Production Rate (yd³/hr) Total Cost = Hours × Hourly Rate Days = Hours ÷ Hours per Day
Result: 4.3 hours / $364
Moving 150 cubic yards at 35 CY/hour takes 4.3 hours. At a rental rate of $85/hour (including operator), the total equipment cost is $364. This is about half a day's work.
Production depends on four factors: machine size (bucket capacity), cycle time, working conditions, and operator skill. A skilled operator with a 0.5 CY bucket and a 30-second cycle can theoretically move 60 CY/hr, but real-world production is typically 50–70% of theoretical due to maneuvers, waiting, and breaks.
For small residential jobs, a compact bobcat (S70–S130) fits through gates and tight spaces. For mid-range projects, an S450–S650 offers the best balance of power and maneuverability. For large commercial work, consider a T770–T870 track loader for maximum production.
Compare daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Weekly rates are typically 3–4× the daily rate, and monthly rates are 3–4× the weekly rate. If your project spans 3+ days, a weekly rental is usually the best value. Include delivery, fuel, and insurance in your total cost estimate.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection. Wear a seatbelt and keep the door or bar locked. Watch for overhead and underground utilities. Maintain a safe distance from excavation edges. Follow the manufacturer's rated operating capacity — overloading is the leading cause of tipover accidents.
Production rates range from 15 CY/hr for small machines in tight spaces to 50+ CY/hr for large track loaders in open areas. A mid-size bobcat with a 0.5 CY bucket typically moves 25–35 CY/hr in normal conditions.
Bobcat rentals range from $200–$550 per day or $50–$125 per hour depending on size. Weekly rates ($800–$2,000) are the best value for longer projects. Delivery is usually extra ($100–$200 each way).
Renting with an operator costs more ($75–$150/hr total) but eliminates damage liability and ensures professional productivity. For DIY projects, operator-free rentals ($200–$400/day) are cheaper but slower.
For small residential jobs (under 50 CY), a compact model works fine. For larger grading and excavation (50–200 CY), use a mid-size machine. For heavy-duty work (200+ CY), consider a large track loader or a full-size excavator.
Wet conditions can reduce production by 20–40% due to mud, traction loss, and cleanup. Frozen ground is very slow to excavate. Hot weather causes faster operator fatigue. Plan for reduced productivity in adverse conditions.
A larger bucket increases cycle capacity. A grapple bucket handles debris efficiently. A grading blade speeds finish grading. Trenching attachments are faster than bucket trenching. Match the attachment to your primary task.
Bobcats excel at loading, grading, and moving material across a site. Mini excavators are better for digging, trenching, and working in tight spaces. Many jobs benefit from having both machines on-site.
Small bobcats use 1–2 gallons per hour, mid-size 2–4 gallons per hour, and large track loaders 3–5+ gallons per hour. Factor fuel cost into your hourly operating cost.