What Does Traction Force Mean On A Heavy Duty Forklift?

Traction force is another specification that buyers may see on a heavy duty forklift data sheet without knowing exactly what it represents.

It is normally expressed in kN (kilonewtons).

In simple terms, traction force describes the pulling force that the forklift drivetrain can deliver through the drive wheels to move the machine.

For a heavy duty forklift carrying several tons of cargo, this can be an important performance figure.

Engine power is usually expressed in kW, while traction force is expressed in kN.

They describe different things.

The engine produces power, but that power must pass through the transmission and drive axle before reaching the tires.

Usable traction therefore depends on several parts of the machine working together:

• engine torque
• transmission
• drive axle
• tire specification
• machine weight
• ground condition

A higher engine power figure alone does not automatically mean greater usable traction at the wheels.

A heavy duty forklift has to move not only its cargo but also its own considerable operating weight.

Traction becomes particularly important when the truck needs to:

• start moving with a heavy load
• operate repeatedly under full load
• travel across industrial yards
• work on surfaces with higher rolling resistance
• pull away smoothly during handling cycles

For large-capacity forklifts, sufficient traction helps the machine move the load without relying only on high engine speed.

The maximum mechanical pulling force available from the drivetrain is only part of the real working condition.

The tires must still transfer that force to the ground.

On loose, wet or slippery surfaces, the drive wheels may lose grip before the full available traction force can be used.

This is why tire type and ground condition should be considered together with the traction figure.

Traction force is also different from gradeability.

Gradeability describes the forklift's ability to negotiate a specified slope under defined conditions.

Traction force is one factor that can influence climbing performance, but gradeability also depends on machine weight, load, drivetrain, tire grip and the slope itself.

The two specifications are related, but they should not be used interchangeably.

At Propolift, traction force is considered together with the engine, transmission, drive axle and tire configuration.

For buyers comparing heavy duty forklifts, the traction figure can provide useful information about drivetrain performance, but it should not be judged as an isolated number.

The more important question is whether the complete forklift configuration can provide sufficient traction for the actual load and working surface.