towing versus pushing a load
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: San Benito, Tx
towing versus pushing a load
I was out driving the other day and I saw a fairly common thing: A vehicle towing another and it made me think about something. For you towing gurus out there, does a vehicle work harder towing a load versus pushing it? Same weight, just different application of force. I'm very curious.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Shreveport, LA
One thing to think about..I dont know if it's true, or not, but I heard it in one of the many lift truck classes I took. They had mentioned that if one got stuck (you may laugh at that thought, but I saw it happen in a vineyard..Dont try to transport one by driving through the vineyard, drive around on the road) do not try to push it with a vehicle, as you could bend your frame, depending on how stuck the lift is.
I took this class, of course, AFTER trying to push that lift out with my '66 F-100. Didnt bend a frame, though. Worst I did was ruin a tire by spinning it on a sharp rock.
Anyhow. I know whatever youre having to push would have to be heavy to bend a frame, but maybe keep it in mind.
I took this class, of course, AFTER trying to push that lift out with my '66 F-100. Didnt bend a frame, though. Worst I did was ruin a tire by spinning it on a sharp rock.
Anyhow. I know whatever youre having to push would have to be heavy to bend a frame, but maybe keep it in mind.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: USA
You'd be surprised how much those forklifts weigh. Our small stand-up electric one at work weighs 7000 lbs. The battery alone weighs 2000 lbs! These things have to be HEAVY to hold up a load out on the forks.
As for the pushing or pulling, the main difference would be the tongue weight on the rear axle when hooked up to a trailer, versus just pushing on something from behind it. The extra weight makes more traction for the drive tires. Steering when pushing a car, for example, involves alot of sliding around on eachother's bumpers and is much harder than pulling the same car on a chain. Thinking strictly physics, it's just like Mikebon said. Add in the real-world effect and everything changes...
As for the pushing or pulling, the main difference would be the tongue weight on the rear axle when hooked up to a trailer, versus just pushing on something from behind it. The extra weight makes more traction for the drive tires. Steering when pushing a car, for example, involves alot of sliding around on eachother's bumpers and is much harder than pulling the same car on a chain. Thinking strictly physics, it's just like Mikebon said. Add in the real-world effect and everything changes...
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Michigan
you would be all over the road trying ot keep the load in front of you. 
i would think pushing the load would creat more traction your truck, you are pushing against the load and it in turn is pushing down.
i would think pushing the load would creat more traction your truck, you are pushing against the load and it in turn is pushing down.
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