Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a excellent alternative when there is a need to reach further than your existing blades would allow. In several situations whenever you have a load that exceeds more than could be safely lifted on your forklift, an extension can help you do your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions will provide extra support and capacity to the lift truck when lifting or moving containers, pallets, or really heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions would add more length to the existing forks enabling the individual operating it to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a company the requirement to buy individual equipment to be able to do the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives using the machine you already have.
Many extensions just slip over the standard lift truck blades. Extensions could be obtained to be able to fit forks which have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is essential to measure your extensions so as to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to making sure the correct fit. When acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you will make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that standardize the length of extension that you can utilize. Based on the guidelines, extensions are not able to 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 steel forklift extensions so as to prevent rust. The two most common sizes for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even if, other lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing mechanisms existing. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are offered either non-tapered or tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that consist of pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even made of steel. They are built to fit blades up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place with a locking bar, they slide off and on easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be used when utilizing any industrial device or machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to using them is a very good routine to get into. After placing an extension onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism should be double checked. Personal injury or destruction to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will likewise help so as to ensure the safety of the one operating it and people working in close proximity.
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