Rolling Force Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Load mass

Total moving mass: load + cart + attachments.

Rolling resistance coefficient (Crr)

Higher values represent softer surfaces or small wheels.

Grade (slope)

%

Use negative values for downhill movement.

Acceleration

m/s²

Set to 0 for steady-speed travel.

Speed (for power)

If speed is 0, power is reported as 0.

Drive efficiency

%

Accounts for drivetrain losses in power calculation.

Safety factor

Adds margin for surface changes and start-up effects.

Number of wheels / rollers

Used for per-wheel force estimate.

Output force unit

Force components are computed internally in N.

Reset

Formula Used

All forces are calculated in newtons (N). The grade term uses a small-angle approximation suitable for typical site slopes.

W = m × g (weight force)
Frr = Crr × W (rolling resistance)
Fgrade ≈ W × (grade% / 100) (upslope or downslope component)
Faccel = m × a (acceleration or deceleration)
Fbase = Frr + Fgrade + Faccel
Fdesign = Fbase × SafetyFactor
Power = (Fdesign × v) / efficiency

How to Use This Calculator

Enter total moving mass, including tools and attachments.
Set the rolling resistance coefficient for your surface.
Input the grade percent for your travel direction.
Add acceleration if you need start-up or ramp effects.
Provide speed and efficiency to estimate required power.
Choose a safety factor and wheel count for distribution.
Press Calculate to view results above the form.
Use CSV or PDF buttons to save calculation records.

Example Data Table

Scenario	Mass (kg)	Crr	Grade (%)	Accel (m/s²)	Speed (m/s)	Safety	Wheels
Warehouse cart	450	0.015	0	0	1.0	1.10	4
Site pallet mover	1200	0.030	2	0.15	0.8	1.20	4
Concrete form trolley	800	0.020	4	0	0.6	1.15	6
Steel spool dolly	1600	0.040	1	0.10	0.5	1.25	8
Downhill reposition	900	0.020	-3	-0.10	0.7	1.10	4

Use these rows to sanity-check inputs before field use.

Article

Professional guidance to interpret rolling force results for construction moves.

Rolling resistance in construction moves

Rolling resistance is the baseline force needed to keep a load moving on a flat surface. It mainly depends on wheel material, diameter, bearing condition, and surface roughness. Small hard wheels on rough concrete can demand several times the force of large pneumatic wheels on smooth slab. The calculator applies Frr = Crr × W, so improving Crr directly lowers required push or pull. Periodic bearing maintenance and wheel alignment can reduce drag and extend equipment life on site.

Grade and acceleration effects

Slopes add or subtract a continuous component of force. A 3% upslope adds about 3% of the load’s weight as extra force, while a 3% downslope reduces the required force and can create runaway risk. Acceleration adds transient demand at start-up, ramps, or speed changes. Using Faccel = m × a helps you size for realistic starts rather than steady rolling only.

Selecting practical inputs

Use measured mass whenever possible, including pallet, cart, attachments, and tooling. Choose a conservative Crr if surfaces vary, debris is present, or tires are underinflated. Grade should reflect the travel direction and the steepest portion of the route. If you do not know acceleration, enter 0 for steady motion and apply a higher safety factor for starts.

Reading the force and power outputs

The design rolling force combines rolling resistance, grade force, and acceleration force, then multiplies by the safety factor. The per-wheel value distributes this demand across wheels or rollers, which is useful for checking wheel ratings and bearing loads. Power is calculated from force and speed, adjusted by efficiency, supporting motor, winch, or tug selection.

Applying results to planning and safety

Compare scenarios to evaluate route alternatives, wheel upgrades, or towing methods. For manual handling, keep forces within ergonomic limits and consider team moves or mechanical assistance. For powered moves, verify traction, braking, and control on downgrades. Record outputs as part of lift plans and logistics sheets, and re-check values after surface or load changes.

FAQs

1) What is a typical rolling resistance coefficient for construction wheels?

Hard rubber wheels on smooth concrete often fall near 0.01–0.02. Small wheels, rough surfaces, soft ground, or poor bearings can push values toward 0.03–0.08 or higher. Use conservative values when conditions are uncertain.

2) Why does the grade term use percent instead of angle?

Field slopes are commonly measured as percent grade. For typical site grades, using grade%/100 approximates the sine of the slope angle closely, providing a practical estimate without needing trigonometry.

3) Can the calculator be used for downhill movement?

Yes. Enter a negative grade to represent downhill travel. The computed force may decrease, but you should still plan for braking, traction, and control, because downhill loads can accelerate unexpectedly.

4) What does safety factor represent here?

The safety factor multiplies the combined forces to cover variability such as debris, tire pressure changes, start-up peaks, and surface transitions. For controlled indoor moves, 1.05–1.15 may work; for mixed terrain, 1.2–1.5 is common.

5) Why is power shown as zero when speed is zero?

Power is force multiplied by velocity. At zero speed, mechanical power demand is zero even though force may be required to start movement. Use a small realistic speed if you want an approximate running power.

6) How should I interpret per-wheel force?

Per-wheel force is the design rolling force divided by the number of wheels or rollers. It helps check wheel and bearing ratings and highlights when too few wheels concentrate loads and increase drag or failure risk.