Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific alternative when there is a need to reach further than your current blades would allow. In several circumstances when you have a load which exceeds more than can be safely lifted on your forklift, an extension can help you complete your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Extensions would provide extra capacity and support to the lift truck whenever moving or lifting pallets, containers, or extremely heavy loads. Also, the extensions would add more length to the existing blades enabling the one operating it to be able to reach farther than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a business the requirement to acquire individual machinery to be able to finish the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives with the machine you already have.
Many of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the forklift blades. Extensions can be obtained to be able to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is really important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to making sure the accurate fit. Whenever buying your extension size, make certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a guideline length for fork extensions. According to this particular guideline, fork extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the original fork length. Following these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions to avoid corrosion. The two most popular sizes for forklift extensions in the industry are 60" and 72", though, various lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems available. The first choice secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single 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 lift truck extensions are available in both tapered or non-tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which consist of coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even constructed of steel. They are made to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place using a locking bar, they slide off and on with no trouble. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety precautions should be used whenever utilizing any industrial tool or machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before utilizing them is a really good routine to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be inspected. Physical injury or destruction to the load can occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would likewise help so as to guarantee the safety of the person operating it and others working close by.
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