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A load that pushes easily on a flat floor can be a runaway on a ramp. This tool returns the force to push a load up a grade, whether it will roll back on its own, and the brake holding force your casters need to keep it parked safely on the incline.
On an incline, two forces matter. Pushing up takes the rolling resistance plus the gravity component along the slope, so a 5 percent grade adds about 5 pounds of force for every 100 pounds of load on top of normal rolling resistance. Holding it parked takes a brake that resists that same gravity component. If the slope is steeper than the wheels' rolling resistance, the load will roll downhill on its own and brakes or chocks are mandatory.
Results update as you type.
angle = arctan(grade ÷ 100)
Push up = Load × (sin angle + Cr × cos angle)
Brake holding force = Load × sin angle × safety factor
Rolls free if sin angle > Cr × cos angle
Cr is the rolling resistance coefficient, set by wheel material, diameter, and floor. The push figure is the steady force to keep the load moving up the grade; the initial break-away force is higher. The brake holding force is what the wheel and swivel locks must resist with the load parked.
This is a planning estimate. For powered tow, ramps over about 7 percent, or any public or pedestrian ramp, have it reviewed against ADA, OSHA, and your equipment ratings.
Total-lock brakes hold the wheel and the swivel so a parked load cannot creep or spin on a grade. Send us the load and grade and we will spec the brake and wheel.
Request a Quote →Each percent of grade adds roughly one pound of force per hundred pounds of load, on top of normal rolling resistance. A 1,500 lb load on a 5 percent ramp adds about 75 lb of gravity force, which is why ramp pushes exceed comfortable manual limits quickly.
It rolls freely when the grade is steeper than the wheels' rolling resistance. Hard wheels (low resistance) roll away on gentle slopes; soft wheels resist more. Either way, park loads with brakes or chocks on any meaningful grade.
A total-lock brake locks both the wheel and the swivel, so the load cannot roll or spin. Size it to resist the gravity holding force with a safety margin, and put brakes on at least two casters positioned for stability.
Reviewed by Bob Camp, Director of Caster Sales, 45+ years in the caster industry. Updated June 14, 2026.
Incline force and brake-hold are planning estimates from static analysis. Confirm against equipment ratings and ADA/OSHA ramp requirements for powered, public, or steep applications. CasterHQ, Mansfield, TX · 844-439-4335.
