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 when you have a load that exceeds more than can be securely raised on your lift truck, an extension could help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Lift truck extensions provide the extra capacity and support considered necessary whenever picking up long pallets, containers or really heavy loads. What's more, the extensions add more length to the blades which helps the person operating it to reach increased distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a company the need to purchase individual machinery so as to do the job. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices with the machine you already have.
Numerous extensions just slip on the standard forklift blades. Extensions can be acquired so as to fit blades that have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is essential to measure your extensions so as to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is vital to ensuring the correct fit. Whenever purchasing your extension size, make certain it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks which are six inches wide, you would use an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA which standardize the length of extension which you can utilize. According to the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than 50% of the original blade length. Following these rules will help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions in order to prevent corrosion. The two most common measurements for forklift extensions in the business are 60" and 72", though, different lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are presented in two choices. The first option secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. This is the rapid 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 existing either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that consist of coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also made of steel. They are designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place using a locking bar, they slide off and on easily. Triangular extensions range in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is at all times a good plan to use safety measures when handling whichever kind of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to using it is even a great practice to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism should be double checked as well. Personal injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will likewise help to be able to guarantee the safety of the operator as well as individuals working close by.
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