The turning radius on a lift truck is also referred to as the turning circle. This information is vital for a machinery driver to have. It gives the driver the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the forklift around. For example, a tighter turning radius enables the machine to successfully operate in crowded areas and tight places, thus improving the maneuverability of the lift truck. Operators who do not know this measurement may cause damage to the machinery or to the property.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections prior to checking the turning radius. The test must begin with an operator trainer helping in the cab where they could help to control the equipment's functions. Another person on the ground utilizes a spray bottle or a hose to wet the inside and outside of the model's wheels. Then, drive the machine in a complete circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the process once and continue if necessary 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 starts from the midpoint of the tire mark to a similar point across the circle's diameter. For the outside turning diameter, measure the watermark left by the outside tires from the circle's one side to the circle's opposite side. You could determine the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. After that, 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 establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter. When this is done, next locate the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the machine clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the machine clearance radius.