The forklift's turning radius is also known as the turning circle, that is vital information for the operator to have. It gives the driver the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the lift truck around. For example, a tighter turning radius enables the equipment to successfully operate in restricted places and congested areas, therefore improving the lift truck's maneuverability. Operators who do not know this measurement could cause damage to the equipment or to the property.
Prior to checking the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it needs adjustment. Start the test with having the trained driver in the cab to control the equipment's functions. Another person on the ground uses a hose or a spray bottle to wet the inside and outside of the model's wheels. After that, drive the machine in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the procedure once and continue if necessary to wet the wheels.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires utilizing a tape measure when 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 could establish the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the inner 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 circle's diameter.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the vehicle in order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter. Once this is completed, next find the point on the pavement directly underneath. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the machine. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the vehicle.