Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a great option whenever you find you need to reach further than your standard lift truck allows. As well, if you find that a load exceeds over what you could securely raise on your forklift, an extension can help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions would provide extra support and capacity to the forklift when lifting or moving pallets, containers, or very heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions will add more length to the existing blades enabling the one operating it to reach further than before. Making use of lift truck extensions really saves a business the requirement to acquire individual equipment in order to finish the job. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices making use of the machinery you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions could be obtained so as to fit blades with widths from 4-6 inches. It is really vital that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to making sure the exact fit. Whenever purchasing your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that regulate the length of extension which you can use. According to the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent of the actual fork length. Following these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions so as to avoid corrosion. The two most popular dimensions for lift truck extensions in the business are 60" and 72", even if, different lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are offered in two options. The first choice connects the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. This is the rapid release mechanism. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible either non-tapered or tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually made of steel and can be made to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slip off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety measures should be utilized whenever utilizing whatever industrial device or machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before using them is a very great practice to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the forklift, the securing mechanism must be double checked. Personal injury or destruction to the load could take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will also help so as to guarantee the safety of the operator and those working close by.
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