The turning radius on a forklift is also referred to as the turning circle. This piece of information is essential for a machinery operator to have. It gives the operator the information of how much space is needed to turn the forklift around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius enables the equipment to work successfully in crowded areas and tight places, thus improving the forklift's maneuverability. Operators who do not know this measurement may cause damage to the property or to the machine.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections prior to checking the turning radius. The test must start with an operator trainer helping inside the cab where they could help to control the machine's functions. A second individual on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the unit's wheels. Then, drive the equipment in a complete 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 begins 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 exterior tires from the circle's one side to the opposite side of the circle. The inside turning diameter can be determined by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the inner tires. Next, 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.
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 completed, the next step is to locate the point on the pavement directly beneath. This point to the turning center indicates the machinery clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the machine clearance radius.