Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a excellent alternative when there is a need to reach further than your existing blades will allow. In certain situations whenever you have a load which exceeds more than can be securely raised on your forklift, an extension can help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Lift truck extensions provide the added capacity and support needed whenever lifting containers, long pallets or really heavy loads. What's more, the extensions add more length to the blades which helps the individual operating it to reach increased distances. Utilizing forklift extensions truly saves a business the need to obtain individual machinery in order to finish the job. This can save probably thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices making use of the machinery you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions would just slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions could be obtained to be able to fit blades with widths from 4-6 inches. It is very important that you measure the extensions to be sure of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to making sure the correct fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, make certain it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you would utilize an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA which regulate the length of extension which you could utilize. According to the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent 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 lift truck extensions to be able to avoid corrosion. The two most popular dimensions for forklift extensions in the industry are 60" and 72", even though, different lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing mechanisms existing. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. The next and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are accessible in both tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically constructed of steel and could be made to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off easily. Triangular extensions range in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be utilized when utilizing whatever industrial device or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to using them is a very good habit to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be double checked. Personal injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would even help in order to ensure the safety of the person operating it and others working nearby.
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