The forklift's turning radius is also referred to as the turning circle, that is important information for the driver 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 enables the machinery to operate successfully in tight places and congested areas, thus enhancing the maneuverability of the forklift. Drivers who are not aware of this measurement may cause damage to the equipment or to the property.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections before checking the turning radius. The test must begin with an operator trainer assisting inside the cab where they can help to control the equipment's functions. Another individual on the ground utilizes 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 process once and if necessary, continue to wet the wheels.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires utilizing a tape measure when your measurement test has been done. The watermark test begins 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 one side of the circle to the circle's opposite side. You can establish the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the inner tires. After that, divide these numbers in 2 in order 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 machine in order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter. Once this is completed, next find the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the equipment clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the machine clearance radius.