The operating cost of construction equipment like an excavator includes
- AInitial purchase price and taxes.
- BFuel, lubricants and the operator's wages.Correct
- CDepreciation and insurance interest.
- DThe cost of transporting the machine to the showroom.
Solution
Concept
Equipment Operating and Ownership Costs
Formula
N/A
Step-by-step solution
1. Review the given question regarding the operating cost of construction equipment like an excavator. 2. Recall that operating costs consist of daily running expenses such as fuel, lubricants, and operator wages. 3. Compare with the given options and select Option (b) as the correct choice.
Explanation
Operating costs are the day-to-day expenses incurred while actually running the equipment. Fuel, lubricants, routine maintenance, and the operator's wages directly depend on the usage and operation of the excavator, whereas purchase price, depreciation, and insurance are fixed ownership costs.
Shortcut
To remember the difference between Operating Costs and Ownership Costs, use the rule "Operating = Running, Ownership = Owning": - Operating Costs (Running): Expenses incurred while actively using the machine (Fuel, Lubricants, Operator's wages, Maintenance). - Ownership Costs (Owning): Fixed expenses incurred regardless of machine usage (Purchase price, Taxes, Depreciation, Insurance).
Common mistake
A common mistake is confusing operating costs with ownership costs and selecting option A or C. Ownership costs (like initial purchase price, depreciation, and insurance) are fixed expenses associated with possessing the equipment, whereas operating costs (like fuel, lubricants, and operator wages) are recurring expenses incurred during actual usage.
Correct answer: B) Fuel, lubricants and the operator's wages.