The lift truck's turning radius is also known as the turning circle, which is important information for the operator to have. It gives the operator the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the forklift around. For example, a tighter turning radius enables the machinery to successfully operate in crowded areas and restricted places, therefore improving the lift truck's maneuverability. Operators who do not know this measurement can cause damage to the property or to the machinery.
Prior to testing the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it needs adjustment. Start the test with having the trained driver inside the cab to control the equipment's functions. A second person on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the inside and outside of the unit's wheels. After that, drive the machine in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the procedure once and if necessary, continue to wet the wheels.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires utilizing a tape measure once your measurement test has been done. The watermark test begins from the tire mark's midpoint to a similar point across the diameter of the circle. For the outside turning diameter, measure the watermark left by the exterior tires from one side of the circle to the circle's opposite side. The inside turning diameter could be determined by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. Then, divide these numbers in 2 to be able to establish the turning radius. Be certain to note that the turning center is the midpoint of the circle's diameter.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the vehicle in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. Once this is done, next locate the point on the pavement directly underneath. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the machinery. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the equipment.