The turning radius on a forklift is also referred to as the turning circle. This piece of information is vital for a machinery operator 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 operate successfully in congested areas and tight places, thus enhancing the maneuverability of the forklift. Operators 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 needs adjustment. Start the test with having the trained operator in the cab to control the machine's functions. Another person on the ground utilizes a spray bottle or a hose to wet the inside and outside of the unit's wheels. Then, drive the equipment in a complete circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the procedure once and continue if necessary to wet the wheels.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires with a tape measure once your measurement test has been completed. The watermark test begins from the midpoint of the tire mark to a similar point across the circle's diameter. For the outside turning diameter, measure the watermark left by the exterior tires from the circle's one side to the opposite side of the circle. 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 in order to determine the turning radius. Be sure to note that the turning center is the midpoint of the diameter of the circle.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the machinery in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. Once this is done, next locate the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the machinery. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the machinery.