The turning radius on a forklift is also referred to as the turning circle. This information is essential for a machinery driver to have. It gives the driver the information of how much space is required to turn the lift truck around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius enables the machinery to work successfully in congested areas and tight places, thus improving the lift truck's maneuverability. Drivers who are not aware of this measurement may cause damage to the property or to the equipment.
Before checking the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it requires adjustment. Begin the test with having the trained driver in the cab to control the machine's functions. A second individual on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the inside and outside of the model's wheels. After that, drive the machine in a complete circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the process once and continue if necessary to wet the wheels.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires utilizing a tape measure once your measurement test has been completed. The watermark test starts 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 circle's opposite side. You could determine the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the inner tires. Next, divide these numbers in 2 in order to establish the turning radius. Be sure to note that the turning center is the midpoint of the diameter of the circle.
In order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter, drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the vehicle. After this is done, the next step is to find the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the equipment clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the machine clearance radius.