The turning radius on a lift truck is also referred to as the turning circle. This piece of information is important for a machine operator to have. It gives the driver the information of how much space is needed to turn the lift truck around. For instance, a tighter turning radius enables the equipment to function successfully in congested areas and tight places, thus improving the forklift's maneuverability. Drivers who are not aware of this measurement may cause damage to the machinery or to the property.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections before testing the turning radius. The test should start with an operator trainer helping in the cab where they can assist to control the machine's functions. Another person on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. After that, drive the machinery in a complete 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 using a tape measure after your measurement test has been completed. 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 outside tires from one side of the circle to the circle's opposite side. You can determine the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. Then, divide these numbers in 2 in order 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 equipment in order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter. When this is completed, next locate the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the equipment. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the clearance radius of the equipment.