The forklift's turning radius is also known as the turning circle, that is essential information for the driver to have. It gives the driver the information of how much space is required to turn the forklift around. For instance, a tighter turning radius allows the machinery to operate successfully in congested areas and tight places, thus improving the maneuverability of the forklift. Drivers who are not aware of this measurement can cause damage to the machinery or to the property.
Make the necessary steering geometry alignment corrections prior to testing the turning radius. The test should begin with an operator trainer helping in the cab where they can help to control the equipment's functions. A second person on the ground uses a hose or a spray bottle to wet the inside and outside of the unit's wheels. After that, drive the machinery 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 with 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. You could determine the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the inner tires. Next, divide these numbers in 2 in order to determine the turning radius. Be certain to note that the turning center is the midpoint of the circle's diameter.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the machinery in order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter. Once this is accomplished, next locate the point on the pavement directly underneath. This point to the turning center indicates the machine clearance radius. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the clearance radius of the vehicle.