It is easier to pull a body rather than pushing it over a rough surface when height of object is smaller than height of person.
Explanation :
Case 1 . a) It is clearly visible that a man is trying to push an object with force(F) at an angle θ and weight of body lie in downward direction(mg).
b) As force is at some angle θ , F horizontal component F cos(θ) is in right direction and its vertical component F sin(θ) lie in the direction of body weight(mg).
c) As Both lies in downward direction , Net force is given by (mg + F sin(θ) ) which is greater than its actual weight . Hence Apparent weight > Actual weight.
Case 2 . a) On the other hand it is clearly visible that a man is trying to pull an object with force(F) at an angle θ and weight of body lie in downward direction(mg).
b) As force is at some angle , F horizontal component F cos(θ) is in right direction and its vertical component F sin(θ) lie in upward direction.
c) Now net force is given by (mg – F sin(θ) which is lesser than its actual weight . Hence Apparent weight < Actual weight.
Hence, its is easier to pulling an object than pushing an object.