BIZOMAT 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. |
What each input means
Open an input to see what it is, its units, the worked example and the common mistakes, with a small diagram.
What this means: Total load on the wheels
- What it is
- The total weight or vertical load carried by all the wheels or rollers together, including the trolley, carriage or vehicle itself.
- Units and format
- Enter a number in N: newtons. The form accepts 0.000001 N or more. Required: the tool does not calculate until every input is valid.
- Example
- The form opens with 10000 N as a worked example. It is an illustration, not a recommended value: replace it with your own figure.
- Effect on the result
- The rolling and sliding forces both rise in proportion.
- Get it right
- Multiply a mass in kg by gravity to get newtons.
What this means: Wheel radius
- What it is
- The rolling radius of the wheels, from the axle centre to the contact with the track or floor.
- Units and format
- Enter a number in mm: millimetres. The form accepts 0.000001 mm to 10000 mm. Required: the tool does not calculate until every input is valid.
- Example
- The form opens with 150 mm as a worked example. It is an illustration, not a recommended value: replace it with your own figure.
- Effect on the result
- Larger wheels roll more easily: the resistance is inversely proportional to the radius.
- Get it right
- Radius, not diameter; for tyres use the loaded radius.
What this means: Coefficient of rolling resistance
- What it is
- A length describing how far ahead of the wheel centre the ground reaction acts because the wheel and track deform; it depends on both materials and their condition.
- Units and format
- Enter a number in mm: millimetres. The form accepts 0.000001 mm to 100 mm. Required: the tool does not calculate until every input is valid.
- Example
- The form opens with 0.5 mm as a worked example. It is an illustration, not a recommended value: replace it with your own figure.
- Effect on the result
- The resistance rises in proportion.
- Get it right
- It is a length in mm, not a dimensionless coefficient like friction; take it from tests or supplier data for your wheel and floor.
What this means: Travel speed
- What it is
- The steady travel speed of the load, used only to turn the rolling resistance into the power needed to keep it moving.
- Units and format
- Enter a number in m/s: metres per second. The form accepts 0 m/s to 1000 m/s. Required: the tool does not calculate until every input is valid.
- Example
- The form opens with 1 m/s as a worked example. It is an illustration, not a recommended value: replace it with your own figure.
- Effect on the result
- Power rises in proportion; the force does not change.
What this means: Sliding friction coefficient for comparison
- What it is
- The sliding friction coefficient between the load and the surface if it were dragged rather than rolled, used only for the comparison.
- Units and format
- Enter a plain number with no unit. The form accepts 0 to 2. Required: the tool does not calculate until every input is valid.
- Example
- The form opens with 0.15 as a worked example. It is an illustration, not a recommended value: replace it with your own figure.
- Get it right
- Use the kinetic (sliding) coefficient for a load already moving; the static value to start it moving is higher.
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