In the article the peculiarities complicating the Russian ore deposits development by open pit method are given. The goal is to develop an approach and criteria for selecting of excavator equipment complexes and optimal economic indicators of field development. The general principles of calculation of money and energy costs of overcoming the resistance forces of the developed rocks as the main technological processes of excavation and transporting are given. Influence of different factors on amount of specific accumulated costs is estimated, in connection with purchase and operation of mining transportation equipment complex. On the example of some models of hydraulic and electric excavators with different technical reliability and service life, recommendations are given for determining the dynamics of money and energy costs for excavation of rock mass and its moving to the place of storage is determined. Economical criteria for choosing the optimal combination of an excavator and a dump truck as a whole are justified. The obtained results can be used for machines technical perfection estimation, increase of conducting mining works efficiency and extension of field development borders.