A multi-day production study with an industry-leading contractor in Kansas revealed what many operators already knew — when it comes to efficiency, not all scrapers are created equal. 

Study Overview

Over 325 scraper loads were monitored across 20 machine configurations — including articulated trucks, self-loading scrapers, tractors, and push-assist systems. Each configuration was weighed, timed, and analyzed under identical haul routes and soil conditions.

Data collected included:

• Payload (tons and cubic yards)

• Cycle times (cut, haul, return)

• Fuel consumption

• Operator variation

*This independent field study was conducted by K-Tec in collaboration with a third-party contractor in Zook, Kansas (June 2025). Data normalized for public release; cost and client details withheld. Comparative efficiency values are based on indexed ratios derived from measured production rates, fuel usage, and cycle times.

To make a fair, apples-to-apples comparison between the different earthmoving setups in this study, we combined every key factor — payload, cycle time, fuel use, machine cost, depreciation, and operator wages — into one common measurement: the cost to move one cubic yard of material.
This approach shows the true operating efficiency of each system, not just how fast it moves dirt.

Because every company’s exact costs will vary, we turned those results into relative efficiency scores instead of dollar values. The most efficient setup in the study — the Fendt 1050 tractor paired with a K-Tec 1230 scraper — achieved the lowest cost per yard and is set as the 100 percent benchmark.
Every other combination is shown as a percentage of that baseline, making it easy to see how each setup performs in overall cost and efficiency under the same conditions.

Push loading is where production gains really take off. Instead of relying on the scraper alone to cut and fill its bowl, a dedicated push unit helps drive material into the scraper faster and fuller. That simple assist does two things that matter most on a jobsite — it increases load size and shortens cut time.

In the study, push loading increased production on every machine tested.

• The K-Tec 1230 saw up to 22% more yards per hour when pushed by a D8 or Steiger 620.

• The larger K-Tec 1237 jumped even higher — up to 43% more yards per hour when pushed by a JD 1050 or CAT D8.

• Even tandem scrapers gained efficiency, with a D10 push delivering up to 14% higher production compared to smaller push units.

These gains translate directly into lower cost per yard. More material per pass means fewer trips, less fuel burned per cubic yard, and less wear on the machine.

In short, push loading delivers more dirt, faster — and for less cost.

Less Time in the Cut = Money in the Bank

• Each additional 10 seconds in cut time reduced productivity by ~7%.

• Push-assist units maintained optimal 37–43s contact times, maximizing momentum through the cut.

• Fuel usage efficiency improved 15–20% when accounting for total yards moved.

Operators using identical equipment produced different results:

• Up to 19% variation between most- and least-experienced operators.
• Consistent performance was achieved faster with K-Tec’s intuitive control layout and load visibility.