Work out tillage time instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Tillage time is area x number of passes divided by the machine's effective field capacity. Passes matter as much as capacity: dropping from three passes to two on ten hectares saves as much time as a 50% faster machine, which is the economic case for minimum tillage.
Tillage time
Hours = area (ha) x passes / field capacity (ha/h); days = hours / working hours per day
Conventional seedbed preparation uses one primary and two secondary passes. Reduced tillage systems combine operations or drill directly, cutting fuel and time by 40-70%.
Add 10-20% contingency for road travel between plots, refuelling and breakdowns when planning against a weather window.