The turning radius on a lift truck is also known as the turning circle. This information is vital for a machine driver to have. It gives the operator the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the lift truck around. Like for example, a tighter turning radius enables the equipment to successfully operate in tight places and congested areas, therefore improving the lift truck's maneuverability. Drivers who do not know this measurement may cause damage to the property or to the equipment.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections before checking the turning radius. The test should start with an operator trainer helping in the cab where they could help to control the equipment's functions. Another individual on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. After that, drive the machine 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 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. The inside turning diameter can be established by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. After that, 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. Once this is completed, next locate the point on the pavement directly beneath. This point to the turning center indicates the machinery clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the clearance radius of the machine.