The turning radius on a lift truck is also known as the turning circle. This information is important for a machine driver to have. It gives the driver the information of how much space is needed to turn the lift truck around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius allows the equipment to work successfully in congested areas and tight places, thus enhancing the maneuverability of the lift truck. Operators who do not know this measurement could cause damage to the property or to the machinery.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections prior to checking the turning radius. The test must start with an operator trainer helping inside the cab where they could help to control the equipment'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 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 using a tape measure after 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 the circle's one side to the opposite side of the circle. The inside turning diameter could be determined by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the inner 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 diameter of the circle.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the vehicle in order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter. When this is done, next find 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 machinery clearance radius.