The lift truck's turning radius is also called the turning circle, which is vital information for the operator to have. It gives the driver the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the forklift around. Like for instance, a tighter turning radius allows the machine to operate successfully in crowded areas and tight places, thus improving the forklift's maneuverability. Drivers who do not know this measurement can cause damage to the equipment or to the property.
Prior to testing the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it requires adjustment. Start the test with having the trained operator 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 model's wheels. Then, 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 accomplished, measure the watermarks left by the tires using a tape measure, from the midpoint of the tire mark to a similar point across the diameter of the circle. 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. You could 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 vehicle in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. When this is completed, 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 twice the machinery clearance radius.