The lift truck's turning radius is also referred to as the turning circle, which is essential information for the driver to have. It gives the operator the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the lift truck around. For instance, a tighter turning radius allows the equipment to operate successfully in crowded areas and tight places, thus improving the forklift's maneuverability. Operators who do not know this measurement may cause damage to the machinery or to the property.
Before checking the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it requires adjustment. Start the test with having the trained operator in the cab to control the equipment's functions. Another person on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. Next, drive the machinery in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the process once and continue if necessary to wet the wheels.
After this measurement test has been completed, measure the watermarks left by the tires with 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 the circle's one side to the circle's opposite side. You can establish the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. Next, divide these numbers in 2 in order to establish the turning radius. Be certain 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 machine. After this is completed, the next step is to find the point on the pavement directly beneath. 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 machine clearance radius.