This dataset contains labour time key figures for grain maize production. Each language version (German (DE), French (FR), English (ENG)) consists of three files: (1)  labour time requirements for all work processes within grain maize production applying the mechanization that is used most frequently in Switzerland referred to as “standard mechanization”; (2) labour time requirements for alternative work processes; (3) exemplary work budgets for four mechanization levels (low, medium, high, standard). The working time required is specified for each work process in manpower hours per hectare [MPh/ha] and tractor or machine hours per hectare [Th/ha]. The descriptions of the work processes contain information on the assumptions made, such as working widths, tank sizes, or loading capacities. To take into account the effect of farm size, the key figures are given for nine plot sizes between 0.5 and 50 ha.