KEVOS® MAKEOS · Mechanics
Rolling Resistance of Wheels and Rollers
What force does it take to keep this wheeled load rolling, and how does that compare with sliding it?
Rolling resistance force from the load, wheel radius and coefficient of rolling resistance (a length), the power to keep the load moving at a speed, and the comparison with sliding friction.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Total load on the wheels | N | Total weight or load carried by all the wheels. |
| Wheel radius | mm | Rolling radius of the wheels. |
| Coefficient of rolling resistance | mm | Coefficient of rolling resistance, a length depending on wheel and surface materials (from tests or supplier data). |
| Travel speed | m/s | Speed for the power estimate. |
| Sliding friction coefficient for comparison | Sliding coefficient to compare with dragging the load. |
Method and formulas
- Rolling resistance = W f ÷ r, with f a length in the same units as r.
- Power = force × speed.
- Sliding force = μ W.
- Example: 10000 N on 150 mm wheels with f = 0.5 mm needs 33.333 N to keep rolling.
Limitations
- Level ground at steady speed; starting, slopes and bearing friction add to the force.
- Published coefficients vary widely; test where it matters.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Size a drive or push force for a trolley or transfer car
- Choose wheel diameter and material for low effort
- Compare rolling with skidding a load
Who it is for
- Materials-handling engineers
- Design engineers
- Maintenance engineers
What you get
- Rolling resistance force
- Power at the speed
- Sliding force for comparison
Interpreting the result
- Doubling the wheel diameter halves the rolling resistance.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 165–167. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
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Open the Rolling Resistance of Wheels and Rollers calculator
