When selecting units and determining the optimal parameters of the designed machines, as well as during mass calculations during research, it is most convenient to use graphical calculation methods. Graphical calculations are characterized by the speed of operations, significant simplicity, high accuracy and, which is especially important when choosing options – clarity. There are many different methods of graphical calculations. One of the most common is the nomographic method, based on the graphical representation of functional dependencies. The method of vector calculations is also widely used. Cyclographic methods are used for circular functional dependencies and represent a type of vector calculations. Cyclograms are distinguished by their clarity and simplicity of construction. They can be characteristics of machines and their operating processes. The use of cyclograms is known in electrical engineering, mechanics, elasticity theory, etc. Cyclograms have not been used in transport. The proposed work shows the general principles of cyclographic calculations that can be used both for studying transport and for calculating machine elements.

The efficiency of mechanical installations is assessed by various indicators. A very important one is the efficiency (η), which characterizes the perfection of mechanisms. The practical significance of this indicator is great. The efficiency gives a certain direction to mechanical engineering and establishes optimal operating modes for the operation of machines. It makes it possible to judge the advantage of a combination of mechanisms and significantly simplifies calculation and design work. For example, based on the efficiency values, in many cases friction bearings were replaced by rolling bearings, steam and heat engines by electric motors, the operation of fans is accepted in accordance with the highest values of their efficiency, etc. In the general theory of machines, the mechanical efficiency is determined by the ratio of the absolute values of the work of useful resistances to the work of all driving forces calculated for the period of steady-state motion. Thus, finding the efficiency is connected, firstly, with the clarification of what to call the work of the forces of useful resistance, and, secondly, with the consideration of the work produced only during movement at a constant speed.

The existing classifications of bulk loading machines are based on external features and, being formal and one-sided in nature, do not allow revealing all the features of various designs. The proposed classification is based on taking into account the entire complex of conditions affecting the shape and operation of machines. It takes into account the organization and technology of processes accompanying bulk loading; design features of machines capable of performing operations in one action or in parts; and other natural conditions. Therefore, it opens up wide opportunities for improving old and creating new machines, as well as for improving the way they are used.

Engineer Smirnov, in the book "Sbornik Gipronemet" Nos. 1 and 2 (1932 edition), in the article "Theoretical Basis for the Calculation of Group Arrangements", presented his method of energy consumption by group consumers, which he derived based on the laws of probability theory. The incorrectness of his work consists of: 1) the fact that he starts from random conditions of the operation of mechanisms, which in reality is far from the case; 2) the fact that the laws of probability theory are not correctly applied by him.