The turning radius on a forklift is also known as the turning circle. This piece of information is vital for a machinery driver to have. It gives the driver the information of how much space is needed to turn the lift truck around. For instance, a tighter turning radius enables the machinery to function successfully in congested areas and restricted places, therefore enhancing the lift truck's maneuverability. Operators who do not know this measurement could cause damage to the machinery or to the property.
Prior to testing the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it requires adjustment. Begin the test with having the trained driver in the cab 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 model's wheels. Then, 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 using a tape measure, from the tire mark's midpoint to a similar point across the circle's diameter. For the outside turning diameter, measure the watermark left by the outside tires from one side of the circle to the circle's opposite side. You could establish the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the interior tires. Next, divide these numbers in 2 to be able to establish the turning radius. Be certain to note that the turning center is the midpoint of the diameter of the circle.
In order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter, drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the equipment. After this is accomplished, the next step is to find the point on the pavement directly beneath. This point to the turning center indicates the machine clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the equipment clearance radius.