An operator is using a V-pattern to load aggregate. The total distance from the face of the stockpile to the dump truck's loading position is 15 metres. If the average round trip travel speed (loaded and empty) of the loader is 10 km/h, approximately how long does the travel portion of a single V-pattern cycle take?

Question: An operator is using a V-pattern to load aggregate. The total distance from the face of the stockpile to the dump truck's loading position is 15 metres. If the average round trip travel speed (loaded and empty) of the loader is 10 km/h, approximately how long does the travel portion of a single V-pattern cycle take?

Answer options:

• Approximately 5.4 seconds ✅ Approximately 10.8 seconds
• Approximately 8.1 seconds
• Approximately 16.2 seconds

Correct answer: Approximately 10.8 seconds

Explanation: A V-pattern involves loading, travelling to the truck, backing up, and returning to the stockpile. If the distance to the truck is 15m, the loader travels 15m loaded to the truck and 15m empty back to the stockpile face. Total travel distance = 2 * 15m = 30m. Speed = 10 km/h = 10,000 m / 3600 s = 2.78 m/s. Travel time = 30m / 2.78 m/s = 10.79 seconds. This calculation helps optimize cycle times.