Enter the torque, pitch diameter of the sprocket, and the transmission element factor into the calculator to determine the overhung load.

Overhung Load Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Overhung Load.

OHL = 2*T / PD * TEF
  • Where OHL is the overhung load
  • T is the torque
  • PD is the pitch diameter of the sprocket
  • TEF is the transmission element factor
    • gears = 1.15
    • chain sprockets < 13 teeth = 1.40
    • chain sprockets < 20 teeth = 1.25
    • V-belt pulley = 1.75
    • flat belt pulleys = 2.50

What is an Overhung Load?

Definition:

An overhung load is a load that extends beyond the base or support of the load. Usually the load extends beyond the edge of the support surface, although in some cases it may extend downward from its supports. The term is also used to refer to loads that are not directly supported by their frame.

A common example is a crane lifting an object that is suspended from another crane; if both cranes are close together, there will be an overhung load on the higher crane, since its jib will be supporting material which is suspended from the other crane.