Acres Per Hour Calculator
Calculate farm equipment productivity and field coverage rates for mowing, planting, harvesting, and other agricultural operations. This calculator determines acres per hour based on equipment width, travel speed, and field efficiency to help you plan work schedules and estimate completion times.
Select Equipment Type
Equipment Category
Pre-set values will adjust based on typical equipment performance
Equipment Specifications
Typical range: 60-90%
Field Information (Optional)
Leave blank to calculate rate only
Understanding Acres Per Hour Calculations
Essential Formulas
1. Acres Per Hour Formula:
\( \text{Acres Per Hour} = \frac{W \times S \times E}{8.25} \)
Where: \( W \) = width in feet, \( S \) = speed in mph, \( E \) = field efficiency (decimal)
The constant 8.25 converts feet and miles per hour to acres per hour: \( \frac{43,560 \text{ sq ft/acre}}{5,280 \text{ ft/mile}} = 8.25 \)
2. Theoretical Field Capacity:
\( \text{Theoretical Capacity} = \frac{W \times S}{8.25} \)
This represents 100% efficiency with no time lost to turns, refilling, or other interruptions.
3. Actual Field Capacity:
\( \text{Actual Capacity} = \text{Theoretical Capacity} \times E \)
Field efficiency accounts for turning time, refueling, filling seed/fertilizer bins, and field obstacles.
4. Time Required Formula:
\( \text{Time (hours)} = \frac{\text{Field Area (acres)}}{\text{Acres Per Hour}} \)
5. Square Feet Per Hour:
\( \text{Sq Ft/Hour} = \text{Acres Per Hour} \times 43,560 \)
How to Use This Acres Per Hour Calculator
- Select Equipment Type: Choose your equipment category from the dropdown. The calculator will automatically adjust field efficiency values based on typical performance for that equipment type.
- Enter Equipment Width: Measure the total working width of your implement in feet, inches, or meters. For mowers, this is the cutting deck width. For planters, it's the total row width.
- Input Travel Speed: Enter your typical field speed in mph or km/h. Use average working speed, not maximum speed. Most equipment operates at 3-7 mph during field work.
- Adjust Field Efficiency: Set efficiency percentage based on field conditions. Rectangular fields with few obstacles allow 80-90% efficiency. Small or irregular fields reduce efficiency to 60-75%.
- Add Field Size (Optional): Enter your field acreage to calculate completion time. Specify working hours per day for multi-day projections.
- Calculate Results: Click the calculate button to see acres per hour, daily capacity, and estimated completion time for your specific operation.
Field Efficiency by Equipment Type
Field efficiency represents the percentage of time equipment is actively working versus time spent turning, refilling, making adjustments, or dealing with obstacles. Higher efficiency means more productive field time.
Mowing / Bush Hog
75-90%
Higher efficiency for large, open fields. Residential mowing with obstacles: 65-75%.
Planting / Seeding
65-80%
Efficiency reduced by seed refilling, row adjustments, and precision requirements.
Combine Harvesting
60-75%
Lower efficiency due to grain unloading, header adjustments, and slower turns.
Tillage Equipment
70-85%
Good efficiency for disks, plows, and cultivators in rectangular fields.
Spraying / Spreading
50-70%
Lowest efficiency due to frequent refilling and overlap requirements.
Typical Farm Equipment Performance Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate acres per hour for mowing?
Use the formula: Acres per hour = (Mower width in feet × Speed in mph × Field efficiency) ÷ 8.25. For example, a 6-foot mower at 5 mph with 80% efficiency covers (6 × 5 × 0.80) ÷ 8.25 = 2.91 acres per hour. For residential mowing with obstacles, use 70-75% efficiency. Large open fields allow 85-90% efficiency.
How many acres can a bush hog mow per hour?
A typical 6-foot bush hog operating at 5 mph with 75% field efficiency covers approximately 2.73 acres per hour. Larger 8-foot bush hogs at 6 mph can achieve 4-5 acres per hour. Actual rates vary based on terrain, vegetation density, and field shape. Rough or hilly terrain reduces efficiency to 60-70%.
What is the acres per hour formula for planting?
The planting formula is the same: (Width × Speed × Efficiency) ÷ 8.25. A 12-row planter on 30-inch rows has a 30-foot width. At 5.5 mph with 70% efficiency: (30 × 5.5 × 0.70) ÷ 8.25 = 13.9 acres per hour. Planting has lower efficiency (65-80%) due to frequent seed refilling and row marker adjustments.
How many acres can a combine harvest per hour?
Combine harvester capacity varies widely by crop, header width, and conditions. A 30-foot header at 3.5 mph with 65% efficiency covers approximately 7.9 acres per hour. High-capacity combines with 40-foot headers can reach 12-15 acres per hour in ideal conditions. Wheat harvesting is typically faster than corn. Factors reducing efficiency include grain moisture, field shape, and unloading frequency.
Why is field efficiency important in acres per hour calculations?
Field efficiency accounts for non-productive time spent turning at headlands, refilling seed or fuel, emptying grain tanks, making adjustments, and navigating obstacles. Without efficiency adjustments, calculations show theoretical capacity that's 20-40% higher than reality. Proper efficiency estimates (60-90% depending on operation) provide accurate time and cost projections for farm planning.
How do I improve my equipment's acres per hour rate?
Increase productivity by: 1) Using wider equipment appropriate for field size, 2) Operating at optimal speed for conditions (not maximum speed), 3) Improving field efficiency through better headland management and minimizing downtime, 4) Working larger, rectangular fields when possible, 5) Maintaining equipment for reliable operation, and 6) Planning efficient field patterns. Small increases in width or speed compound significantly over large acreages.
Tips for Maximizing Farm Equipment Productivity
- Choose Appropriate Equipment Width: Match implement width to field size. Oversized equipment in small fields reduces efficiency due to excessive turning. Undersized equipment wastes time covering large acreages.
- Optimize Travel Speed: Faster isn't always better. Operating above optimal speed reduces work quality and increases fuel consumption. Find the sweet spot that maintains quality while maximizing coverage.
- Plan Efficient Field Patterns: Use proper headland patterns to minimize turns and idle time. For rectangular fields, work around the perimeter first, then complete the interior in continuous passes.
- Maintain Equipment Properly: Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns that devastate productivity. Sharp mower blades, properly set planter plates, and well-adjusted combines work faster and better.
- Minimize Refilling Downtime: Coordinate refueling, seed refills, and grain unloading to minimize stopped time. Have support vehicles ready when needed rather than making equipment wait.
- Work During Optimal Conditions: Field conditions dramatically affect efficiency. Wet fields slow travel speed. Mowing wet grass reduces quality and speed. Plan operations for favorable weather windows.
- Track Actual Performance: Monitor your actual acres per hour over time. Compare calculated estimates to real-world results to refine efficiency factors and identify improvement opportunities.