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 information of how much space is required to turn the forklift around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius allows the equipment to successfully work in congested areas and restricted places, thus improving the maneuverability of the lift truck. Drivers who do not know this measurement can cause damage to the machine or to the property.
Before testing the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it needs adjustment. Begin the test with having the trained driver inside the cab to control the equipment's functions. A second person on the ground utilizes a spray bottle or a hose to wet the inside and outside of the unit's wheels. Next, drive the equipment in a complete circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the process once and if necessary, continue to wet the wheels.
Once this measurement test has been completed, measure the watermarks left by the tires utilizing 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 one side of the circle to the opposite side of the circle. The inside turning diameter can be determined by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. Next, 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 diameter of the circle.
In order to determine 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 find the point on the pavement directly underneath. This point to the turning center indicates the machine clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the equipment.