Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific option when there is a need to reach further than your current blades would allow. In several situations when you have a load which exceeds more than can be safely picked up on your forklift, an extension could help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Lift truck extensions offer the added support and capacity required whenever picking up containers, long pallets or very heavy loads. In addition, the extensions add more length to the blades that helps the operator to reach greater distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a business the requirement to acquire individual equipment so as to complete the job. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency options making use of the machinery you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions can be purchased in order to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is very important that you gauge the extensions to be certain of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to ensuring the right fit. When acquiring your extension size, be certain it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that regulate the length of extension that you could use. Based on the guidelines, extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the original fork length. Abiding by those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions to be able to prevent rust. The two most common sizes for lift truck extensions in the business are 60" and 72", although, different lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are presented in two choices. The first option secures the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads comprise pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually constructed of steel and can be made to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place utilizing a locking bar, they slip off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is at all times a good idea to use safety precautions whenever dealing with whichever type of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to use is even a good routine to get into. After the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism must be double checked also. Physical injury or destruction to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will likewise help to be able to ensure the safety of the operator as well as people working nearby.
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