Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a good option when you find you have to reach further than your standard forklift will allow. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely lift on your forklift, an extension could help you do your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions will offer added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever moving or lifting containers, pallets, or extremely heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions would add more length to the current blades enabling the one operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions saves a business the need to acquire separate equipment in order to complete the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices using the equipment you already have.
A lot of extensions just slip over the typical forklift blades. Extensions can be obtained to be able to fit forks that have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is important to measure your extensions so as to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is paramount to making sure the right fit. Whenever purchasing your extension size, make sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For example, if you have forks which are six inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which regulate the length of extension which you could utilize. Based on the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent of the actual fork 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 corrosion. The two most common dimensions for lift truck extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems available. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are accessible either non-tapered or tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually made of steel and can be designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place using a locking bar, they slide on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be utilized whenever utilizing whichever industrial device or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions prior to utilizing them is a very good practice to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the securing device should be double checked. Physical injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would even help to ensure the safety of the operator as well as people working close by.
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