West Coast Turntables – F.A.Q

Q: Will installing a turntable save me space?

A: If your Development Approval requires you to enter the road in forward gear, then you must manoeuvre your vehicle on your property, either by allocating land for a reversing bay or turning on the spot with a turntable.

See our project : Re-purposing Revering Bay on a Battle-axe Property

Q: When do I need to enter the road in forward gear?

A: Driveways must be designed for two-way access to allow for vehicles to enter the street in forward gear where: the driveway serves five or more dwellings; the distance from an on-site car parking space to the street is 15m or more; or the street to which the driveway is connected to is designated as a primary distributor or integrator arterial road or your property is commercial and your local council requires this as part of their policy documents.

Q: Are there any other requirements that mean vehicles must enter the street in forward gear?

A: Some councils require that Parking areas must be designed so as to enable vehicles to return to the street in forward gear where it is considered that reversing onto the road will pose a traffic hazard.

Q: Does my commercial development require vehicles to enter the road in forward gear?

A: Many local councils require vehicles from commercial properties to enter in forward gear which is stipulated within local planning framework documents including local planning schemes; activity centre plans; structure plans; design guidelines; or local development plans.

Q: Do councils support the use of turntables?

A: Yes. Since the requirement is to return to the street in forward gear, councils don’t mind how the vehicle is manoeuvred on site, however, some councils require maintenance plans and failure analysis. That is why WCT provides a DA pack to support a DA application.

Q: Do I need planning approval to install a turntable?

A: Planning Approval (DA) from your local council may be required if you are installing a turntable in conjunction with an extension, a new build, or if you are re-purposing your reversing bay. Since R-codes and local government can be revised at any time, it is best to ask us or a suitably qualified professional so we can provide the correct information.

Q: Do I need building approval to install a turntable?

A: No, building approval is not required however the construction will need to comply with relevant building codes and the electrical control system must be fully compliant and approved for use in Australia.

Q: Do I need special power requirements to install a turntable?

A: WCT Turntables are designed to operate on a household 10A PowerPoint (1).
Note 1) Some larger turntables may require a dedicated circuit or 15A rating.

Q: Can I install a turntable outside?

A: You can install a WCT Turntable outside as stormwater management is installed in the pit and all have suitable corrosion protection and IP ratings.

Q: My driveway is on a slope, can I install a turntable from WCT?

A: Yes, we will do a site measure and design your WCT Turntable to suit your site.

Q: What happens if there are underground services or structures where I want to install a turntable?

A: WCT has experience in moving structural posts, soakwells, and other underground services. We believe there is always a solution to a problem.

Q: How are WCT turntables operated?

A: Our turntables can be operated via the control panel, which is generally located in the garage, via a touch screen located near the turntable, remotes, or even a phone app. We can even configure our remotes to open your garage door or gates for added convenience.

Q: How does the installation process for a Car turntable work? 

A: The first step of this installation is to excavate the pit. The excavation depth includes the raft slab. On a slope, a different formwork is used for leveling and drainage. Next, the formwork can be either just inner or both inner and outer, depending on the turntable’s location. The installation takes about half a day, and the concrete is usually poured in the afternoon. 

Formwork stripping and turntable mechanical installation are completed in one to two days, depending on site constraints and the turntable model. Good, unobstructed access for a trailer is required next to the turntable location. No separate laydown area is usually needed, and no special lifting or craning is required. 

Once the turntable is installed, the pit finishing ring is installed and grouted into place, ready for the surrounding masonry floor level. This depends on the turntable model and specific customer requirements. 

 The control system is then installed on the wall at the agreed location. An adjacent commun household power socket is required to plug in the panel. The panel and motor conduit can be recessed into the wall or surface mounted. Contact WCT to discuss further. 

Q: What is the lifespan of a turntable?

A: Our pin gear drive Turntables have a very long lifespan, maybe 30 years or more, plus with regular maintenance and annual check-up, this can be greatly extended, almost indefinitely. 

Q: Are turntables difficult or expensive to maintain?

A: Maintainability and low running costs are important aspects in the design of WC Turntable. Just to prove this point, WCT offers a free maintenance period.

Q: What types of maintenance are needed for a turntable? 

A: Our designs are highly robust, so frequent repairs are never required. However, we do recommend an annual service to ensure your turntable remains in excellent condition. 

Q: My car is larger than the average car, can WCT supply a turntable to fit?

A: WCT supply turntables in any size including double car and commercial truck turntables.

 

Q: What customisation options are available for turntables? 

A: There are many customisation options for your turntable. It can either stand out as a feature of your home or blend seamlessly into the surroundings for a more discreet look. We offer various types of top surfaces, including exposed aggregate, 2-pack non-slip epoxy to match to your garage concrete surface, powder coated chequer plate. Specialized surfacew such as wood, mirror finishes or mineral fibre decking is also an option. For a touch of sophistication, you can add an LED strip in the pit to light up the turntable.

An integrated touch screen allows you to control the turntable and other systems on your property, such as the water reticulation, fountains, or garden lights. 

 You can also integrate the turntable with our car lift, providing easy access to a basement garage or « man cave », optimising your parking space.