In view of the loss of traction of a certain axis motor due to its failure in the normal operation of a locomotive, a method of optimal distribution of locomotive traction has thus been proposed. Taking a four-axle locomotive as an example, with the effect of axle weight transfer on the traction force of each axle taken into consideration, the relationship expression of the total traction amount can be worked out, thus constructing the optimal objective function of the total axle weight transfer amount, and obtaining the optimal traction force with the minimum value of the objective function by using the genetic algorithm.