Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent alternative when there is a need to reach further than your current forks would allow. In several situations whenever you have a load that exceeds more than could be securely lifted on your forklift, an extension could help you complete your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Output
Extensions will offer added capacity and support to the lift truck when moving or lifting containers, pallets, or extremely heavy loads. Also, the extensions will add more length to the existing forks enabling the one operating it to be able to reach farther than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions truly saves a company the requirement to acquire individual machinery to be able to finish the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity options with the machine you already have.
Several of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the lift truck forks. Extensions could be obtained in order to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is really vital that you measure the extensions to be certain of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is paramount to making sure the correct fit. Whenever obtaining your extension size, make certain it is equal to your blade'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 established by OSHA that regulate the length of extension that you could use. Based on the regulation, extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the original blade length. Following those rules will help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions in order to avoid corrosion. The two most popular sizes for forklift extensions in the industry are 60" and 72", though, different lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems available. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. The next and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible in both non-tapered or tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used when moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that consist of pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are likewise made of steel. They are designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place using a locking bar, they slip on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a great plan to utilize safety measures whenever dealing with any type of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before use is also a good habit to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be double checked too. Personal injury or destruction to the load can take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will even help to guarantee the safety of the operator as well as those working in close proximity.
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