Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a great choice whenever you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck will allow. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can securely lift on your lift truck, an extension can help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions will offer added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever lifting or moving containers, pallets, or really heavy cargo. Also, the extensions will add more length to the existing forks enabling the one operating it to be able to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions really saves a business the need to buy individual machinery in order to finish the task. This can save probably thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices using the machinery you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be purchased to be able to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is very important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the right fit. Whenever buying your extension size, be certain it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades that are 6 inches wide, you will make use of an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA which standardize the length of extension which you could use. Based on the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than 50% of the actual blade length. Abiding by those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions so as to prevent corrosion. The two most common dimensions for forklift extensions in the industry are 60" and 72", even though, other lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are presented in two options. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the rapid release method. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are existing in both tapered or non-tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used when moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that comprise drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even made of steel. They are made to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place making use of a locking bar, they slide on and off easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be utilized whenever using whatever industrial tool or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to utilizing them is a very great routine to get into. After placing an extension onto the forklift, the securing device should be double checked. Personal injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will also help so as to guarantee the safety of the operator as well as individuals working close by.
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