The lift truck's turning radius is also referred to as the turning circle, which is essential information for the operator to have. It gives the driver the knowledge of how much space is required to turn the lift truck around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius enables the equipment to successfully work in restricted places and crowded areas, thus improving the lift truck's maneuverability. Drivers who are not aware of this measurement can cause damage to the property or to the machine.
Prior to checking the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it needs adjustment. Start the test with having the trained driver in the cab to control the equipment's functions. Another person on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. Then, drive the machinery in a complete 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 done. The watermark test starts 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 one side of the circle to the opposite side of the circle. The inside turning diameter could be established by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. After that, divide these numbers in 2 in order 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 machine. After this is done, the next step is to locate the point on the pavement directly underneath. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the machine. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the clearance radius of the machine.