Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a excellent option when there is a need to reach further than your current blades would allow. In certain circumstances when you have a load which exceeds more than could be safely lifted on your forklift, an extension could help you complete your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions will offer added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever lifting or moving pallets, containers, or really heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions would add more length to the existing blades enabling the individual operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions truly saves a company the requirement to acquire individual equipment in order to finish the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives utilizing the machinery you already have.
A lot of extensions just slip on the typical lift truck blades. Extensions can be purchased in order to fit forks that have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is important to measure your extensions in order to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to ensuring the accurate fit. When purchasing your extension size, make certain it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have forks that are 6 inches wide, you would use an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that standardize the length of extension which you could use. Based on the guidelines, extensions can not 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 lift truck extensions to avoid corrosion. The two most common dimensions for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, other lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are available in two choices. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the quick 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 existing either tapered or non-tapered for the majority of pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically constructed of steel and could be designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide off and on effortlessly. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is at all times a good idea to utilize safety measures whenever handling any kind of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions before use is likewise a great routine to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be double checked too. Personal injury or destruction to the load can occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would likewise help so as to guarantee the safety of the one operating it as well as people working nearby.
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