Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a excellent alternative whenever there is a need to reach further than your existing blades will allow. In some circumstances whenever you have a load which exceeds more than can be securely raised on your lift truck, an extension can help you execute your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions would offer added capacity and support to the lift truck when lifting or moving containers, pallets, or extremely heavy cargo. What's more, the extensions will add more length to the existing blades enabling the individual operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a business the requirement to acquire separate equipment so as to complete the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency options using the equipment you already have.
Many of the fork extensions would just slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions can be purchased in order to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is very important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is vital to making sure the right fit. Whenever obtaining your extension size, make certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks which are 6 inches wide, you will make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you can use. According to the regulation, extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the actual fork length. Abiding by these 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 popular sizes for lift truck extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, various lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems available. The first option connects 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 dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are offered either tapered or non-tapered for the majority of pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that comprise coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are likewise made of steel. They are built to fit blades up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be utilized whenever utilizing whichever industrial tool or machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before using them is a really great routine to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the forklift, the attaching device must be inspected. Personal injury or destruction to the load can take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would also help to be able to ensure the safety of the individual operating it as well as others working in close proximity.
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