Zusammenfassung

A small turning circle determines whether a device can maneuver safely and efficiently in tight spaces – for example, in warehouses, churches or city centers.This is a real advantage, especially for work platforms and forklifts.

The more compact the device and the tighter the turning circle, the more precisely you can work – without losing time or risking damage.Ideal for sensitive locations with limited space or narrow access.

The turning circle is an often underestimated but crucial factor when selecting aerial work platforms and forklifts. It determines how much space a machine requires for maneuvering and thus directly influences its application possibilities —especially in tight or highly restricted work areas.

Similar to cars, where the turning circle determines maneuverability in the city or in parking lots, it also plays a central role in industrial trucks.

In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about the turning circle: what it means exactly, why it's so important for work platforms and forklifts, and how to choose the right device for your job site.

In brief - what is the turning circle?

The turning circle is the smallest circle a vehicle or device can describe at maximum steering angle. It is determined by the distance between the wheels and the maximum steering angle.

The smaller the turning radius, the more maneuverable the vehicle or machine. For work platforms and forklifts, a small turning circle is particularly advantageous for working efficiently in tight spaces.

Similar to a car: the turning circle of work platforms explained

Similar to cars, the turning circle is a crucial factor for maneuverability of aerial work platforms. A small turning circle enables smooth maneuvering in tight spaces – comparable to a maneuverable city car that handles tight turns and narrow alleys better than a large SUV. A small turning circle is a decisive advantage, especially in warehouses with narrow aisles, on construction sites with limited space, or in indoor spaces such as churches or exhibition halls.

Aerial platforms with a small turning radius, such as compact crawler or mast platforms, are ideal for such locations. Their design—a rotating upper structure and crawler track—ensures they can turn almost on the spot. This is especially important in sensitive environments with restricted mobility.

Why is the turning circle important for work platforms and forklifts?

An example:
A compact crawler boom lift is used in a church to perform painting or restoration work on high ceilings. The limited space between the pews and pillars hardly allows for large movements. Thanks to the rotating superstructure and a turning circle that can be achieved practically while stationary, the crawler boom lift can be positioned precisely without damaging the delicate structures. This is a clear advantage over larger platforms, which would be simply unsuitable for such tight and demanding locations.

The combination of compact design, small turning circle and maneuverable crawler track makes these platforms ideal for use in confined spaces where precision and maneuverability are essential.

Devices with a small turning circle: advantages and areas of application

Especially in environments with narrow access or obstacles, machines with a compact turning circle are indispensable. The turning circle is determined by the length of the chassis and the design of the steering system. The smaller the turning circle, the better the machines can work in tight spaces.

Typical areas of application and examples:

• Warehouses: Electric forklifts with a tight turning circle navigate effortlessly between parallel racks and significantly accelerate material flow.
• Indoors: Scissor lifts with compact chassis are perfect for working in confined indoor spaces such as shopping centers or event venues, where equipment also needs to move in narrow passageways.
• Churches and historic buildings: Crawler platforms with a rotating structure and a tight turning radius can be used precisely between columns and pews without causing damage. Their low weight and compact design make them ideal for sensitive floors.
• Industrial plants: Articulated boom lifts offer flexibility for maintenance work between machines, which are often arranged in parallel production lines.
• Urban construction sites: Small, maneuverable platforms are ideal for work in inner cities where space is limited by narrow alleys or parked vehicles. Here, the turning circle becomes a crucial factor for working safely and efficiently.
• Private properties: Compact crawler platforms are suitable for gardening or facade work because they can move precisely in tight spaces.

Conclusion: The turning circle as a decisive factor

The turning radius is an important criterion when selecting aerial work platforms and forklifts. A small turning radius enables efficient work in confined spaces and increases work safety. Therefore, the turning radius should always be considered in relation to the intended location when selecting equipment to achieve optimal results.