Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a great alternative when you find you need to reach further than your standard forklift allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can safely pick up on your forklift, an extension can help you do your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Lift truck extensions provide the extra support and capacity considered necessary when raising long pallets, containers or extremely heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the forks which helps the one operating it to reach increased distances. Making use of forklift extensions truly saves a business the need to acquire individual machinery in order to do the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives utilizing the machinery you already have.
Several of the fork extensions would just slip overtop of the lift truck forks. Extensions can be obtained so as to fit blades with widths from 4-6 inches. It is really important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to ensuring the exact fit. When obtaining your extension size, be certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that regulate the length of extension which you can use. Based on the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent of the actual blade length. Abiding by these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions in order to prevent rust. The two most common measurements for forklift extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, though, other lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are existing either non-tapered or tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which comprise drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also constructed of steel. They are made to fit blades up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place with a locking bar, they slip on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a great idea to utilize safety measures whenever dealing with any kind of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions before use is even a great habit to get into. When the extensions have been positioned onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism must be double checked as well. Personal injury or damage to the load can take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will also help to ensure the safety of the one operating it and others working nearby.
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