A site requires trucks to be loaded with 18,000 kg of gravel each. The gravel has a bulk density of 1,600 kg/m³. The wheel loader has a 4.0 m³ bucket, typically achieving a 90% fill factor. How many full buckets are required to load one truck?

Question: A site requires trucks to be loaded with 18,000 kg of gravel each. The gravel has a bulk density of 1,600 kg/m³. The wheel loader has a 4.0 m³ bucket, typically achieving a 90% fill factor. How many full buckets are required to load one truck?

Answer options:

• 3 buckets
• 4 buckets
• 5 buckets ✅ 6 buckets

Correct answer: 6 buckets

Explanation: First, calculate the volume of gravel needed: 18,000 kg / 1,600 kg/m³ = 11.25 m³. Next, calculate the effective bucket capacity: 4.0 m³ * 0.90 fill factor = 3.6 m³. Finally, divide the required volume by the effective bucket capacity: 11.25 m³ / 3.6 m³ ≈ 3.125. Since partial buckets are not practical or efficient for full loading counts, round up to 6 buckets to ensure the truck is fully loaded. These calculations are critical for production estimates.