Translating Torque to Pulling Power

In summary, the conversation was about finding the towing capacity of a 1986 Honda 200sx ATV. The maximum torque was listed as 1.56 kg-m (11.28 ft-lb)/6,000 rpm, but without more specific details, such as the type of terrain and weight of the object being towed, it is impossible to determine the exact towing capacity. It was suggested to look at the specs of a more modern ATV of the same size and displacement to get a general idea of the towing capacity. It was also noted that towing capacity and pulling power are different concepts, with towing capacity taking into account factors such as handling and braking. The term "drawbar pull" was mentioned as a measure of pulling power
  • #1
Kyle Shobe
2
0
I have an atv and wanted to know its towing capacity. I looked up specs and found that the maximum torque is 1.56 kg-m (11.28 ft-lb)/6,000 rpm. 2 questions: 1) What does this mean in layman's terms? 2) What is the towing capacity?
 
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  • #2
Without more details where exactly this torque can be gained and how it gets transmitted to the wheels there is no way to tell that. You'll also need details about the thing getting towed I guess (especially its coefficient of friction).
 
  • #3
Kyle Shobe said:
I have an atv and wanted to know its towing capacity. I looked up specs and found that the maximum torque is 1.56 kg-m (11.28 ft-lb)/6,000 rpm. 2 questions: 1) What does this mean in layman's terms? 2) What is the towing capacity?

Welcome to the PF.

Which ATV is it? Does it not have a manufacturer's specification for the rated towing capacity (GVW & GVTW & Hitch Weight)?

http://www.gmc.com/trailering-towing/safe-trailer-towing-capacity.html :-)
 
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  • #4
It is a 1986 Honda 200sx. I found specs online, but nothing about towing capacity...
 
  • #5
Kyle Shobe said:
It is a 1986 Honda 200sx. I found specs online, but nothing about towing capacity...

Hmm. You might try looking at the specs of a more modern ATV of the same size & displacement. They should be listing GVW and the towing specs for some of them. I don't think the specs would have changed much for similar-size ATVs. :-)
 
  • #6
Towing capacity and pulling power are different concepts.

Towing capacity will include handling characteristics like propensity to roll over , brakes, and the like .

Pulling power? I think the term is "drawbar pull".
Surely gear ratios are in the specs you found? (Everyplace i looked wanted a credit card.)
Engine torque multiplied by gear ratio gives a slightly optimistic estimate of torque to rear wheels. It's optimistic because there's a few % lost to friction in the geartrain.
That number divided by wheel radius will give a number for how hard the machine could pull provided it has traction and provided the front wheels stay on the ground.
If you use torque in foot-lbs, use radius in feet..

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/tow-bars/drawbar-pull1.htm
drawbar-pull-2.jpg


note drawbar connection is low on tractor . That helps keep front wheels down when pulling, and helps keep trailer from toppling tractor over sideways on a downhill turn.

old jim
 

FAQ: Translating Torque to Pulling Power

What is torque and how is it related to pulling power?

Torque is a measure of rotational force, while pulling power is a measure of the force required to move an object in a linear direction. Torque is directly related to pulling power, as a higher torque will result in a greater pulling power.

How do you calculate the pulling power from torque?

To calculate the pulling power from torque, you will need to know the distance from the point of rotation to the point where the force is applied (known as the lever arm) and the angle of the force relative to the lever arm. You can then use the formula: pulling power = torque x lever arm x sin(angle).

What factors can affect the translation of torque to pulling power?

The main factors that can affect the translation of torque to pulling power are the efficiency of the mechanism being used, the weight and friction of the object being pulled, and the angle at which the force is applied.

Can torque and pulling power be increased indefinitely?

No, there are limitations to how much torque and pulling power can be generated. These limitations are due to factors such as the strength and durability of the materials being used, and the laws of physics.

Are there any practical applications for translating torque to pulling power?

Yes, there are many practical applications for translating torque to pulling power. Some examples include using torque to power machinery such as engines and motors, or using torque to lift heavy objects in construction or transportation industries.

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