The lift truck's turning radius is also called the turning circle, that is important information for the driver to have. It gives the operator the information of how much space is required to turn the lift truck around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius allows the machinery to work successfully in crowded areas and tight places, therefore improving the maneuverability of the forklift. Drivers who do not know this measurement could 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. Begin the test with having the trained driver in the cab to control the equipment's functions. A second person on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the inside and outside of the unit's wheels. Next, drive the machine in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the process once and continue if necessary 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 diameter of the circle. 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. The inside turning diameter could be determined by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. After that, 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 circle's diameter.
In order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter, drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the equipment. 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 machine clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the machinery clearance radius.