The turning radius on a lift truck is also referred to as the turning circle. This piece of information is vital for a machine driver to have. It gives the driver the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the lift truck around. For instance, a tighter turning radius allows the machine to operate successfully in crowded areas and restricted places, thus enhancing the maneuverability of the forklift. Operators who are not aware of this measurement may cause damage to the machine or to the property.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections prior to checking the turning radius. The test should begin with an operator trainer helping in the cab where they could help to control the machine's functions. A second person on the ground utilizes a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. Then, 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 utilizing a tape measure when your measurement test has been completed. The watermark test begins from the tire mark's midpoint to a similar point across the circle's diameter. For the outside turning diameter, measure the watermark left by the outside tires from one side of the circle to the circle's opposite side. You could 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 circle's diameter.
In order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter, drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the equipment. After this is accomplished, the next step is to locate the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the vehicle. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is two times the clearance radius of the machinery.