The turning radius on a forklift is also referred to as the turning circle. This information is important for a machinery driver to have. It gives the driver the information of how much space is required to turn the forklift around. Like for instance, a tighter turning radius allows the equipment to successfully work in restricted places and congested areas, thus improving the maneuverability of the lift truck. Operators who are not aware of this measurement may cause damage to the equipment or to the property.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections before testing the turning radius. The test should begin with an operator trainer assisting inside the cab where they could assist to control the equipment's functions. Another individual on the ground utilizes a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the unit's wheels. Then, drive the machine in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the procedure once and if necessary, continue to wet the wheels.
When this measurement test has been done, measure the watermarks left by the tires utilizing a tape measure, 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. You could determine the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. Then, divide these numbers in 2 to be able 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 determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter, drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the equipment. After this is completed, the next step is to find the point on the pavement directly underneath. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the equipment. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the machinery.