Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent choice when there is a need to reach further than your existing blades would allow. In several situations when you have a load which exceeds more than can be securely raised on your forklift, an extension can help you complete your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions will offer added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever lifting or moving pallets, containers, or very heavy loads. In addition, the extensions would add more length to the current forks enabling the individual operating it to be able to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a business the need to buy separate machinery to be able to complete the job. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices with the machinery you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be purchased to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is really vital that you gauge the extensions to be certain of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is paramount to ensuring the exact fit. When purchasing your extension size, make sure it is equal to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you would utilize an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which regulate the length of extension which you can utilize. According to the guidelines, extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the original fork length. Abiding by these rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions in order to avoid corrosion. The two most common dimensions for forklift extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", although, other lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are existing in two choices. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single 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 obtainable in both non-tapered or tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that have coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are likewise made of steel. They are designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slip off and on effortlessly. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions should be used whenever using whatever industrial device or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to using them is a really good habit to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism must be double checked. Physical injury or destruction to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would even help to guarantee the safety of the person operating it and others working in close proximity.
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