Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a great alternative whenever you find you have to reach further than your typical forklift allows. Additionally, if you find that a load exceeds more than you can securely raise on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Output
Extensions will provide extra capacity and support to the forklift when moving or lifting containers, pallets, or extremely heavy cargo. Additionally, the extensions will add more length to the existing blades enabling the individual operating it to be able to reach farther than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a company the requirement to acquire individual machinery in order to finish the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives utilizing the equipment you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions could be acquired in order to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is really important that you gauge the extensions to be certain of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the exact fit. When buying your extension size, be certain it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that regulate the length of extension which you could use. Based on the regulation, extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the original 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 to avoid corrosion. The two most popular measurements for lift truck extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, different lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems available. The first choice connects the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. The next and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure 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
Cylinder loads comprise pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically made of steel and can be made to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place utilizing a locking bar, they slip off and on easily. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is at all times a great idea to use safety precautions when handling whichever kind of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions before use is even a good routine to get into. After the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism must be inspected too. Personal injury or destruction to the load can take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will also help in order to guarantee the safety of the person operating it as well as individuals working close by.
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