Solve Vector Statics Problem - Need Help Now

[ashishsinghal]

I am not able to figure out how to solve this problem. It does not seem to be a statics problem to me. At what point do we consider the equilibrium. Please Help!

 

[haruspex]

Yes, it is a statics question: you don't have to consider acceleration or velocity.
To lift the roller onto the tiles you only need enough force to match (plus the teeniest bit) the maximum opposing force. In general, that entails calculating the opposing force at each stage in lifting the roller onto the tiles, but I think it's pretty clear the maximum opposing force will be right at the start. So all you need to determine is the push/pull needed to make a certain force become zero... which one?

 

[ashishsinghal]

Thanks haruspex