turning circle of forklift trucks
turning circle of a low-lift truck
The size of the turning circle of a pallet truck depends on the dimensions and design of the industrial truck. The turning circle is therefore a decisive factor in terms of the maneuverability of pallet trucks, forklifts and reach trucks. As a rule, the total length of the means of transport roughly corresponds to the turning radius, also known as the turning radius.
Table of contents
definition
The turning circle is the result of the parts of a vehicle that are furthest outward when it rolls forward with the steering wheel turned to its maximum. The diameter of the turning circle is also a measure of the vehicle's maneuverability.
The smaller the width and length of an industrial truck , the smaller the turning circle and the faster it can be maneuvered and manoeuvred.
Mission
A small turning circle is particularly advantageous when there is little space in the warehouse. A small turning circle also means high maneuverability. These properties are particularly attractive in the following areas:
- In narrow aisles: supermarket shelves, storage aisles
- On truck beds
- In areas with little open space: freezer areas, laboratories
- In freight elevators
pallet truck versus forklift
With a forklift, the load's center of gravity is at the front. Therefore, a sufficiently large counterweight must be present. With electric forklifts, for example, this is done by the battery. For this reason, forklifts usually have a larger turning circle.
With pallet trucks, however, the load's center of gravity is within the contour. This creates a very small turning circle, which allows the operator of a pallet truck to maneuver and manoeuvre easily even in confined spaces.
models
- Three-wheel forklifts have a rear wheel that can be steered directly. The turning radius only slightly exceeds the total length of the device.
- In contrast to three-wheeled forklifts, four-wheeled forklifts have one more wheel. This means that the total load is distributed over four wheels. In this case, the turning circle is significantly larger.
- Electric pallet trucks and manual pallet trucks are generally more maneuverable than forklifts.
