The forklift's turning radius is also known as the turning circle, which is vital information for the operator to have. It gives the driver the information of how much space is required to turn the lift truck around. Like for instance, a tighter turning radius enables the machinery to successfully operate in congested areas and tight places, thus improving the maneuverability of the forklift. Drivers who are not aware of this measurement may cause damage to the property or to the equipment.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections prior to checking the turning radius. The test must begin with an operator trainer assisting in the cab where they can assist to control the equipment's functions. Another individual on the ground utilizes a hose or a spray bottle to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. Next, drive the equipment in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the procedure once and continue if necessary to wet the wheels.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires with a tape measure once your measurement test has been completed. The watermark test begins 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 opposite side of the circle. You could establish the inside turning radius 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 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 equipment in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. When this is done, next locate the point on the pavement directly beneath. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the equipment. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the machinery.