Forklift Fork Extension - Lift truck extensions are a great choice whenever you find you need to reach further than your typical forklift will allow. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds more than you can securely lift on your forklift, an extension can help you do your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Output
Extensions would provide added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever lifting or moving containers, pallets, or really heavy loads. What's more, the extensions will add more length to the current forks enabling the one operating it to be able to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a company the requirement to acquire individual equipment in order to finish the job. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives with the machine you already have.
Many of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions could be acquired in order to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is very important that you measure the extensions to be sure of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to ensuring the correct fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have forks which are six inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for fork extensions. Based on this particular guideline, fork extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the actual blade length. Abiding by those rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions to be able to prevent corrosion. The two most popular dimensions for forklift extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", although, various lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are obtainable in two options. The first option secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more secure attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are available either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that comprise pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are likewise constructed of steel. They are designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place using a locking bar, they slip on and off with no trouble. Triangular extensions range in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions should be used whenever utilizing any industrial tool or equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions before utilizing them is a really good habit to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the forklift, the attaching device must be inspected. Physical injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would also help so as to guarantee the safety of the operator and individuals working nearby.
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