The turning radius on a forklift is also known as the turning circle. This piece of information is vital for a machinery driver 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 allows the machinery to operate successfully in congested areas and restricted places, therefore enhancing the forklift's maneuverability. Drivers who do not know this measurement could cause damage to the property or to the machinery.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections before testing the turning radius. The test must start with an operator trainer assisting inside the cab where they can assist to control the machine'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. Next, drive the equipment in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the procedure once and continue if necessary to wet the wheels.
When this measurement test has been done, measure the watermarks left by the tires utilizing a tape measure, 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 the circle's one side to the opposite side of the circle. The inside turning diameter can be established 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 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 equipment. After this is done, the next step is to locate the point on the pavement directly underneath. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the machinery. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the machinery.