The turning radius on a lift truck is also known as the turning circle. This information is vital for a machinery operator to have. It gives the operator the information of how much space is required to turn the lift truck around. Like for instance, a tighter turning radius enables the equipment to successfully operate in crowded areas and restricted places, therefore enhancing the lift truck's maneuverability. Operators who do not know this measurement can cause damage to the machine or to the property.
Before checking the turning radius, check the steering geometry alignment and correct it if it needs adjustment. Start the test with having the trained driver in the cab to control the machine's functions. A second individual on the ground utilizes a spray bottle or a hose to wet the inside and outside of the model's wheels. Next, drive the machine in a complete 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 once your measurement test has been done. The watermark test begins 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 exterior tires from one side of the circle to the opposite side of the circle. The inside turning diameter can be established 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 circle's diameter.
Drop a plumb line from the extreme outside radial extension on the equipment in order to determine the wall-to-wall turning diameter. When this is done, next find the point on the pavement directly beneath. This point to the turning center indicates the clearance radius of the machinery. As a rule, wall-to-wall turning diameter is twice the clearance radius of the vehicle.