Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific choice whenever there is a need to reach further than your existing blades will allow. In several cases when you have a load which exceeds more than can be safely lifted on your forklift, an extension could help you do your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Lift truck extensions offer the extra support and capacity required when lifting containers, long pallets or really heavy loads. Also, the extensions add more length to the forks that helps the operator to be able to reach greater distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a company the requirement to purchase separate equipment in order to finish the task. This can save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices with the machine you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip over the typical lift truck forks. Extensions can be obtained to be able to fit blades which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is important to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to making sure the accurate fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, make sure it is equal to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you will use an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that regulate the length of extension which you could use. Based on the regulation, extensions can not be longer than 50 percent of the actual fork length. Abiding by those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions to be able to avoid corrosion. The two most common dimensions for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even if, different lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems existing. The first choice connects the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are existing in both non-tapered or tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which have coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even constructed of steel. They are designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place using a locking bar, they slip off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be utilized whenever utilizing any industrial device or machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions prior to utilizing them is a very great practice to get into. After placing an extension onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism should be inspected. Personal injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will also help to be able to guarantee the safety of the one operating it as well as people working in close proximity.
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