The lift truck's turning radius is also called the turning circle, which is essential information for the driver to have. It gives the operator the knowledge of how much space is needed to turn the forklift around. Like for instance, a tighter turning radius enables the machine to successfully work in crowded areas and tight places, thus improving the forklift's maneuverability. Operators who do not know this measurement can cause damage to the property or to the machinery.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections before testing the turning radius. The test must start with an operator trainer helping inside the cab where they could help to control the machine's functions. Another individual on the ground utilizes a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the unit's wheels. After that, drive the machine in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the process once and if necessary, continue to wet the wheels.
Once this measurement test has been done, measure the watermarks left by the tires with 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 outside tires from one side of the circle to the opposite side of the circle. You can determine the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. After that, divide these numbers in 2 to be able to establish the turning radius. Be sure to note that the turning center is the midpoint of the circle's diameter.
To be able to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter, drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the machine. After this is completed, the next step is to find the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the machine. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the machine clearance radius.