The forklift's turning radius is also known as the turning circle, which is essential information for the driver to have. It gives the operator the knowledge of how much space is required to turn the forklift around. For example, a tighter turning radius allows the machinery to successfully operate in congested areas and restricted places, thus improving the forklift's maneuverability. Drivers who do not know this measurement may cause damage to the machinery or to the property.
Prior to checking the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it needs adjustment. Begin the test with having the trained driver inside the cab to control the machine's functions. A second person on the ground uses a spray bottle or a hose to wet the outside and inside of the model's wheels. Then, drive the equipment in a whole circle with the wheels turned to the maximum angle. Repeat the process once and continue if necessary to wet the wheels.
Measure the watermarks left by the tires with a tape measure when your measurement test has been done. The watermark test begins 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 circle's opposite side. You can establish the inside turning radius by stretching the tape measure across the circle left by the inner tires. Then, 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.
In order to establish the wall-to-wall turning diameter, drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the vehicle. After this is done, the next step is to locate the point on the pavement directly below. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the machinery. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the machinery clearance radius.