Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific alternative when there is a need to reach further than your existing forks would allow. In several circumstances whenever you have a load which exceeds more than could be securely picked up on your lift truck, an extension could help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Output
Extensions will provide extra support and capacity to the forklift whenever moving or lifting containers, pallets, or extremely heavy cargo. Moreover, the extensions would add more length to the current forks enabling the individual operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions truly saves a business the need to acquire individual machinery so as to do the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives utilizing the equipment you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the lift truck forks. Extensions can be obtained in order to fit blades with widths from 4-6 inches. It is extremely important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is paramount to ensuring the correct fit. When acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you would make use of an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA which regulate the length of extension which you can use. According to the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than 50% of the actual fork length. Abiding by those rules will help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions in order to avoid corrosion. The two most common sizes for lift truck extensions in the industry are 60" and 72", though, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are existing in two options. The first option secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. This is the rapid release method. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are presented in both non-tapered or tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically made of steel and could be designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place making use of a locking bar, they slide off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be used whenever utilizing whatever industrial device or equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions before using them is a very great routine to get into. After placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching device must be double checked. Personal injury or destruction to the load could occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would even help so as to guarantee the safety of the operator and those working nearby.
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