The forklift's turning radius is also referred to as the turning circle, that is vital information for the 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, therefore improving the maneuverability of the forklift. Operators who are not aware of this measurement could cause damage to the property or to the machinery.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections before testing the turning radius. The test must begin with an operator trainer helping inside the cab where they can assist 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 unit's wheels. Next, drive the equipment in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the procedure once and if necessary, continue to wet the wheels.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires using a tape measure once 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. You can determine the inside turning radius 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 diameter of the circle.
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 done, next locate 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 clearance radius of the machinery.