KEVOS® MAKEOS · Mechanics
Ramp Winch Pull Check (Pull, Holding Force, Power)
What pull does my winch need to haul this load up the ramp on wheels or skids, will the load run back if released, and is the winch power enough at the haul speed?
Check of a winch hauling a load up a ramp: the effective friction from rolling resistance of the wheels (coefficient of rolling resistance ÷ wheel radius, as the rolling resistance tool) or sliding friction on skids, the pull up the slope and the force to hold the load against sliding back (as the inclined plane tool), the power at the haul speed with the winch efficiency, checked against the winch rated pull, its motor power and its brake for the holding force.
Open the calculatorRuns in your browser. No account needed.
How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Load mass | kg | Mass of the load and its cart or skids. |
| Ramp angle | ° | Angle of the ramp from horizontal. |
| Load moves on | choice | Whether the load rolls on wheels or slides on skids. |
| Coefficient of rolling resistance | mm | Coefficient of rolling resistance (lever arm) for the wheel and floor. |
| Wheel or roller radius | mm | Radius of the wheels or rollers. |
| Sliding friction (skids) | Sliding friction coefficient of skids on the ramp. | |
| Haul speed | m/s | Speed the winch hauls at. |
| Winch | ||
| Winch efficiency | % | Efficiency of the winch gearing and drum. |
| Winch rated pull | N | Rated line pull of the winch on the layer used. |
| Winch motor power | kW | Rated power of the winch motor. |
Method and formulas
- Effective friction μ_e = f ÷ r on wheels (as the rolling resistance tool) or μ on skids.
- Pull = W (sin θ + μ_e cos θ); holding force = W (sin θ − μ_e cos θ) (as the inclined plane tool).
- Motor power = pull × speed ÷ efficiency.
- Example: hauling 2000 kg up 10° needs 3,560.3 N and 0.89008 kW; released, it needs 3,251.3 N to hold.
Limitations
- Steady haul; starting needs extra force for breakaway friction and acceleration.
- Rope angle assumed parallel to the ramp.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Check a winch for loading a machine onto a trailer
- Plan moving a load up a ramp into a building
- Decide between skates and skids
Who it is for
- Riggers
- Millwrights
- Maintenance supervisors
What you get
- Effective friction and pull up the ramp
- Holding force against running back
- Power at the haul speed
Interpreting the result
- Wheeled loads almost always run back down a ramp: the winch brake or a second line must hold them.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 165–171. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
WORKOS tools are screening and decision-support utilities. Verify important financial, engineering, safety, legal or operational decisions using appropriate professional standards and your organisation’s approved data.
Open the Ramp Winch Pull Check (Pull, Holding Force, Power) calculator
