In this approach the fundamental hydrodynamic and elasticity equations that govern the problem are reduced to one single integral equation. Although the resulting integral equation in the present problem is at first sight similar in form to the one governing the steady rolling problem, on closer consideration it appears that the former constitutes a different type of equation, which is mainly characterized by the existence of a bifurcation point not occurring in the equation for steady rolling. By proper treatment of this complication, solutions also in the range of conditions where deformation may be expected to be large are obtained.