Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent choice whenever there is a need to reach further than your current forks will allow. In certain cases whenever you have a load that exceeds more than can be safely lifted on your lift truck, an extension can help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Extensions will provide added capacity and support to the forklift when moving or lifting containers, pallets, or extremely heavy cargo. Furthermore, the extensions will add more length to the current forks enabling the operator to reach further than before. Making use of lift truck extensions saves a company the requirement to buy individual equipment in order to finish the job. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices using the machine you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip over the standard forklift forks. Extensions could be bought in order to fit forks which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is important to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the right fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades that are 6 inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a guideline length for blade extensions. Based on this particular guideline, fork extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the actual blade length. Following those rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions in order to prevent corrosion. The two most popular sizes for forklift extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, though, various lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems available. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are presented either non-tapered or tapered for the majority of pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads comprise drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually made of steel and can be made to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place making use of a locking bar, they slide off and on easily. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a great plan to use safety precautions when handling any kind of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before use is even a great habit to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the forklift, the securing mechanism should be inspected also. Physical injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help in order to guarantee the safety of the one operating it and those working in close proximity.
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