Recommended Distance Between a Katool Alignment Machine and the Front of the Vehicle

Proper camera placement is critical for accurate wheel alignment results. Katool 3D optical alignment systems rely on precise camera positioning to correctly calculate camber, caster, toe, and thrust angles. This guidance applies to the following Katool models:

KT-AV6

KT-AV8

KT-AV651

KT-AV533F

KT-AV9

All of these machines use similar 3D camera technology and follow the same basic positioning principles.

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📐 Recommended Working Distance

For Katool 3D alignment systems, the acceptable operating range for camera placement is approximately:

➡️ 59″ to 118″ (1,500 mm to 3,000 mm)
Measured from the front wheel turntables (or front axle centerline) to the alignment cameras.

This range allows the cameras to clearly view all four wheel targets and maintain accurate optical measurements.

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⭐ Optimal Distance: 6 Feet

While the system functions throughout the full range, the most optimal and commonly recommended positioning is approximately 6 feet (about 72 inches / 1.8 meters) from the front of the vehicle.

At around 6 ft:

All wheel targets are easily within the camera’s field of view

Optical accuracy and stability are maximized

Camera height and angle adjustments are simpler

Calibration and target recognition are more consistent

This distance works well for most passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks and is ideal for day-to-day alignment operations.

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🚗 What This Means in a Shop Setting

When positioning a Katool alignment machine:

Place the camera posts or camera beam roughly 6 ft in front of the front turntables whenever possible

Ensure the cameras are centered with the vehicle and level with the wheel targets

Maintain clear line-of-sight — no lift arms, tool carts, or obstructions between cameras and wheels

Adjust slightly forward or backward as needed for very short or long wheelbase vehicles, staying within the 59″–118″ range

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🔎 Why Proper Distance Matters

Katool alignment systems use stereo camera triangulation. Incorrect distance can lead to:

Incomplete target visibility if too close

Reduced measurement resolution if too far away

Increased need for re-reads or camera adjustments

Maintaining the recommended spacing — especially the optimal 6-foot position — helps ensure repeatable, accurate alignment results.

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📍 Summary

Item    Specification

Applicable Models    KT-AV6, KT-AV8, KT-AV651, KT-AV533F, KT-AV9
Operating Distance Range    ~59″–118″ (1.5–3.0 m)
Optimal Distance    ~6 ft (72″ / 1.8 m)
Placement Location    In front of vehicle, aligned with front axle
Requirement    Clear, unobstructed camera view of all wheel targets

If you still have questions or concerns, please contact our technical support team here: http://tinyurl.com/katoolform