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Push Pull Force Limit Calculator

Work out push pull force limit instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Push Pull Force Limit Calculator

Push and pull force is the load's weight multiplied by rolling resistance, which depends on wheel type and floor surface: about 0.02 for large pneumatic wheels on smooth concrete and 0.15 or worse for small castors on carpet or uneven ground. Starting force is roughly twice the sustained force, and it is the starting force that must stay within acceptable limits.

Formulas

Sustained force

F = mass x 9.807 x rolling resistance coefficient

Initial force

F initial = sustained force x initial to sustained ratio, typically 2

Worked example

With the default values below, Push Pull Force Limit Calculator returns Force to start the load moving of 294.2. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Mass of the load and trolleyminimum 1 kg
300 kg
Rolling resistance coefficientaccepts 0.005–0.5
0.05
Initial to sustained force ratiominimum 1
2
Acceptable force for the populationminimum 10 N
250 N

Results

Force to start the load moving
294.2 N
Force to keep it moving
147.1 N
Initial force as share of the acceptable limit
117.7% %
Assessment
Above the limit for most of the population — improve wheels or surface

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Sustained force
  3. 3Initial force
  4. 4Force to start the load moving= 294.2 N
  5. 5Force to keep it moving= 147.1 N
  6. 6Initial force as share of the acceptable limit= 117.7 %
  7. 7Assessment= Above the limit for most of the population — improve wheels or surface

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 1 decimal place, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Preliminary estimate only. Push and pull assessment should use measured forces and a recognised guideline such as the psychophysical tables for the working population.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Preliminary estimate only. Push and pull assessment should use measured forces and a recognised guideline such as the psychophysical tables for the working population.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Push Pull Force Limit figure worked out?

F = mass x 9.807 x rolling resistance coefficient. Push and pull force is the load's weight multiplied by rolling resistance, which depends on wheel type and floor surface: about 0.02 for large pneumatic wheels on smooth concrete and 0.15 or worse for small castors on carpet or uneven ground.

What is the cheapest way to reduce the force?

Bigger, harder wheels and a smoother floor. Wheel diameter and floor condition change rolling resistance by a factor of five or more, far outweighing any change in handle design.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 4 inputs: Mass of the load and trolley, Rolling resistance coefficient, Initial to sustained force ratio, Acceptable force for the population. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.

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