The turning radius on a forklift is also known as the turning circle. This piece of information is important for a machine operator to have. It gives the driver the knowledge of how much space is required to turn the lift truck around. Like for instance, a tighter turning radius enables the machine to successfully function in congested areas and tight places, thus improving the maneuverability of the forklift. Operators who are not aware of this measurement can cause damage to the equipment or to the property.
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 machine'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. 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.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires with a tape measure after your measurement test has been done. The watermark test starts 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 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. Then, divide these numbers in 2 to be able to determine 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 machinery in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. Once this is completed, next find the point on the pavement directly beneath. This point to the turning center indicates the equipment clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the equipment clearance radius.