What You Need to Know

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 in the selection of 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.

Just as with a car, where the turning circle determines maneuverability in the city, the smaller the turning circle, the more flexible the use. Especially in confined spaces, this makes the difference between smooth work and tiresome maneuvering.

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 is. 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 key factor in the maneuverability of aerial work platforms . A small turning circle means precise maneuvering in tight spaces – like a nimble city car that easily navigates tight corners and narrow alleys, while a large SUV struggles to cope.

This is a real advantage, especially in warehouses with narrow aisles , on construction sites with limited space or in sensitive indoor areas such as churches or exhibition halls .

Models with a tight turning radius—such as compact crawler platforms or mast platforms —are ideal for this. Thanks to their rotating upper carriage and crawler tracks, they can turn almost on the spot. This makes them perfect for applications where every centimeter counts and safety is a top priority.

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

Practical example:
A compact tracked aerial work platform is used in a church to carry out painting or restoration work on high ceilings. Space is extremely limited between the pews and pillars , making it difficult for large machines to maneuver.

Thanks to the rotating superstructure and a turning circle that can be achieved almost while stationary, the platform can be positioned with millimeter precision. This allows work to be carried out precisely and safely without touching or damaging sensitive structures.

Compared to larger platforms, which are unsuitable for such tight and sensitive locations, this is a clear competitive advantage – both in terms of efficiency and safety.

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

Machines with a compact turning circle are indispensable, especially in work areas with narrow access , tight aisles, or numerous obstacles . The turning circle is primarily determined by the chassis length and the design of the steering system . Generally speaking, the smaller the turning circle, the more maneuverable the machine – and the easier it is to perform work safely and efficiently, even in extremely confined spaces.

Typical areas of application and examples:

• Warehouses: Electric forklifts with tight turning circles navigate effortlessly between parallel racks, significantly accelerating material flow.
• Indoors: Scissor lifts with compact chassis are perfect for working in confined indoor spaces such as shopping malls or event venues, where equipment must also 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, when selecting equipment, the turning radius should always be considered in relation to the intended location to achieve optimal results.

About the author

Martin Biberger

Managing Director

Martin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thetechnical areaTogether with his team, he is responsible for thetechnical purchasingthe machines thatFurther development of the machine inventoryand the smooth operation of over 1,500 BIBERGER rental devices.

From many years of experience he knows theStrengths and weaknesses of all device classes, the possibleAreas of applicationand thetechnical possibilities– always with a view to theDevelopment of the entire industryand future innovations.