I need to find out how strong of a motor to buy. I want a gear reduced, low- rpm dc (12 to 36 volt) motor around 40 to 100 rpms- that is capable of driving a pit cart (toolbox on wheels). I dont know how to use the torque ratings given with the motors to decide if they are capable of pulling the load I need. The cart is estimated about 1200 to 1600lbs fully loaded. I have found motors with a rating of 220 in/ lbs of torque, but I have no idea how to tell if that will be enough power. Any help??

 

Divide in/lbs by 12 to get ft/lbs.

A Kawasaki Prarie 700 has something like 35-40 ft/lbs of torque at whatever RPM. A DC electric motor should have the same amount of torque at any RPM.

That give you an idea of power?

 

so at 15 or so ft/lbs, it does sound like enough torque to drive a heavy cart at a slow speed, but the hp rating is way different too. I was thinking about the torque being equivelant to some smaller quads, and it sounds like it would be plenty for my application but just not sure.