6-6

6.5 TRACTIVE EFFORT

The tractive effort is obtained by multiplying the corrected engine torque by the total ratio of
power train by the efficiency of the power train, and dividing this product by the rolling radius
of the driving tires.

T x R x e x C x 12
TE = (pounds)
r

Where:

T is the gross engine torque in lb.-ft.

C is a correction factor for engine torque to determine net torque

available at the flywheel; generally 0.85.

R is the overall gear reduction including both axle and transmission.

e is the mechanical efficiency of the drive line; generally 0.85.

r is the rolling radius of loaded driving tire in inches.

12 is a constant converting lb-ft to lb-in.

Example:
Find the tractive effort where the rolling radius of driving tires is 19.5 inches, the
total ratio of power train is 52.9, and the gross engine torque is 606 lb-ft.

606 x 52.9 x 0.85 x 0.85 x 12

= 14,253 pounds
19.5

VER 2.12.02
Copyright 1996, 2002 Bechtel Corporation, Second Edition. All rights Reserved.