Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific alternative whenever there is a need to reach further than your existing forks would allow. In certain circumstances when you have a load which exceeds more than could be securely raised on your lift truck, an extension could help you complete your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Output
Forklift extensions offer the added capacity and support considered necessary when raising long pallets, containers or extremely heavy loads. What's more, the extensions add more length to the forks which helps the person operating it to reach greater distances. Making use of forklift extensions really saves a company the requirement to buy individual equipment so as to do the job. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices making use of the equipment you already have.
Many of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be obtained to be able to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is really 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 than the size stated is paramount to ensuring the right fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be certain it is equivalent to your blade's width. For example, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you would use an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that standardize the length of extension which you can use. Based on the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than 50% of the original fork length. Abiding by these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions to prevent rust. The two most common measurements for forklift extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, various lengths are offered.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. The next and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are existing either non-tapered or tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads comprise pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally constructed of steel and could be designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place making use of a locking bar, they slip on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures should be used when utilizing whichever industrial tool or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to utilizing them is a very good habit to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism must be double checked. Physical injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help to be able to ensure the safety of the operator as well as others working in close proximity.
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