<p>The article discusses issues related to improving the efficiency of mining and transport equipment in the context of the development of the mining industry in Uzbekistan. It analyzes existing methods and criteria for assessing the technological excellence of mining machines, in particular open-pit excavators, dump trucks, and crushing equipment. The shortcomings of traditional indicators – specific metal consumption and the criteria proposed by Gertner, Müller, and Anistratov – are highlighted, and the need for a more objective approach to assessing the efficiency of machinery operation is substantiated. Functional criteria are proposed as a quantitative measure of the final useful effect of equipment operation, taking into account productivity, reliability, operating conditions, the physical and mechanical properties of rocks, and organizational and technical factors. The criteria are divided into theoretical, technical, and operational categories, which allows for a comprehensive assessment of the performance of technologically interconnected mining equipment systems. The application of the proposed criteria contributes to more efficient planning of equipment use, improves the accuracy of productivity calculations, and ensures the maximum realization of the operational capabilities of mining machinery under constantly changing conditions. Keywords: excavator, dump truck, crusher, functioning, criterion, productivity, quality, coefficient.</p>