The turning radius on a lift truck is also referred to as the turning circle. This piece of information is important for a machinery operator to have. It gives the driver the information of how much space is required to turn the lift truck around. For example, a tighter turning radius allows the machinery to successfully work in restricted places and congested areas, thus enhancing the forklift's maneuverability. Drivers who are not aware of this measurement could cause damage to the machine or to the property.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections before checking the turning radius. The test should begin with an operator trainer helping inside the cab where they can help to control the machine's functions. A second individual on the ground utilizes a hose or a spray bottle to wet the inside and outside of the model's wheels. Then, drive the machine in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the process once and continue if necessary to wet the wheels.
When this measurement test has been done, measure the watermarks left by the tires using a tape measure, from the tire mark's midpoint 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 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 to be able to establish the turning radius. Be sure to note that the turning center is the midpoint of the diameter of the circle.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the vehicle in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. When this is done, next find the point on the pavement directly beneath. This point to the turning center indicates the equipment clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the equipment clearance radius.