Forklift Fork Extension - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent option whenever there is a need to reach further than your existing forks would allow. In some circumstances whenever you have a load that exceeds more than could be securely raised on your forklift, an extension could help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Extensions will provide extra capacity and support to the lift truck whenever moving or lifting pallets, containers, or very heavy cargo. Furthermore, 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 need to acquire separate machinery to be able to complete the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity options using the equipment you already have.
Several of the fork extensions would just slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be obtained to fit blades with widths from 4-6 inches. It is very essential that you measure the extensions to be sure of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to making sure the accurate fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you will use an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for blade extensions. According to this particular regulation, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the actual fork length. Abiding by those rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions to be able to prevent rust. The two most popular dimensions for lift truck extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even if, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are offered in two choices. The first option secures the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the rapid release method. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are presented in both tapered or non-tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which consist of coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are likewise made of steel. They are made to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place with a locking bar, they slip on and off easily. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures should be used when using whatever industrial device or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions before utilizing them is a very good practice to get into. After placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be double checked. Physical injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would likewise help so as to ensure the safety of the operator and others working close by.
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