The turning radius on a lift truck is also known as the turning circle. This piece of information is vital for a machinery driver to have. It gives the operator the knowledge of how much space is required to turn the forklift around. For instance, a tighter turning radius allows the equipment to function successfully in tight places and congested areas, therefore improving the maneuverability of the lift truck. Drivers who are not aware of this measurement can cause damage to the equipment or to the property.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections prior to checking the turning radius. The test must begin with an operator trainer helping in the cab where they could assist to control the equipment's functions. Another person on the ground utilizes a hose or a spray bottle 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 if necessary, continue to wet the wheels.
Once this measurement test has been done, 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 the circle's one side to the circle's opposite side. The inside turning diameter could be established by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. Then, 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 circle's diameter.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the equipment in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. Once this is completed, next locate 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 twice the clearance radius of the vehicle.