The turning radius on a lift truck is also known as the turning circle. This piece of information is important for a machinery operator to have. It gives the operator the information of how much space is needed to turn the forklift around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius enables the machine to successfully work in crowded areas and restricted places, thus improving the forklift's maneuverability. Drivers who do not know this measurement can cause damage to the property or to the machine.
Prior to testing the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it requires adjustment. Begin the test with having the trained driver inside the cab to control the equipment's functions. A second individual on the ground uses a hose or a spray bottle to wet the inside and outside of the unit's wheels. After that, 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 done, measure the watermarks left by the tires with 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. 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 circle's diameter.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the machinery in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. When this is done, next locate the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the vehicle. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the machine.