Forklift Fork Extension - Lift truck extensions are a great option when you find you have to reach further than your typical forklift will allow. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely pick up on your forklift, an extension can help you do your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Lift truck extensions provide the added capacity and support considered necessary when lifting containers, long pallets or really heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions add more length to the forks which helps the one operating it to reach increased distances. Making use of lift truck extensions really saves a business the requirement to acquire individual machinery to be able to complete the job. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives making use of the machine you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions would just slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions could be purchased to be able to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is extremely important that you measure the extensions to be certain of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to ensuring the right fit. When obtaining your extension size, be certain 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 which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that regulate the length of extension which you could use. Based on the guidelines, extensions can not be longer than fifty percent of the original blade length. Abiding by those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions in order to avoid rust. The two most common sizes for forklift extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", even though, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are available in two choices. The first choice connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the rapid release method. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are offered in both tapered or non-tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually made of steel and can be built to fit forks up to 2" thick and 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 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is at all times a great plan to utilize safety measures whenever handling any kind of industrial machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before utilizing it is also a good routine to get into. When the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be inspected also. Physical injury or destruction to the load can take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will even help so as to guarantee the safety of the operator and those working nearby.
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