The turning radius on a forklift is also known as the turning circle. This piece of information is important for a machine operator to have. It gives the driver the knowledge of how much space is required to turn the forklift around. Like for instance, a tighter turning radius allows the equipment to successfully operate in restricted places and congested areas, therefore enhancing the forklift's maneuverability. Drivers who do not know this measurement can cause damage to the property or to the equipment.
Prior to testing the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it needs adjustment. Begin the test with having the trained driver in the cab to control the equipment's functions. A second person on the ground uses a hose or a spray bottle to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. Then, drive the machine in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the procedure once and if necessary, continue to wet the wheels.
Once this measurement test has been completed, measure the watermarks left by the tires utilizing a tape measure, 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 exterior tires from the circle's one side to the circle's opposite side. The inside turning diameter could be established by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. Next, 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 machine. After this is accomplished, the next step is to locate the point on the pavement directly underneath. This point to the turning center indicates the machine clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the clearance radius of the machine.