What is the equivalent of one mechanical horsepower?

One mechanical horsepower is defined as the ability to do work at a rate of 33,000 foot-pounds per minute. This means that if a machine is capable of lifting a weight of one pound a distance of 33,000 feet in one minute, it is said to have a mechanical horsepower. The measurement originates from early steam engine tests, where it quantified the engine's power output as equivalent to the work done by a horse over a specific period.

In practical application, this value is significant in various engineering and machinery contexts as it provides a standard metric for comparing power outputs. Understanding this conversion is essential for operating engineers when evaluating equipment capabilities and performance characteristics.