The forklift's turning radius is also referred to as the turning circle, which is essential information for the operator to have. It gives the operator the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the lift truck around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius allows the equipment to successfully operate in congested areas and restricted places, therefore improving the maneuverability of the lift truck. Operators who do not know this measurement may cause damage to the property or to the equipment.
Before testing the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it needs adjustment. Begin the test with having the trained driver inside the cab to control the machine's functions. A second person on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. Next, drive the machinery 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 when your measurement test has been done. The watermark test begins from the midpoint of the tire mark 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 can be established by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. After that, divide these numbers in 2 in order to determine the turning radius. Be sure to note that the turning center is the midpoint of the diameter of the circle.
To be able to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter, drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the machinery. After this is completed, the next step is to locate the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the vehicle clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the clearance radius of the vehicle.