Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a excellent option whenever there is a need to reach further than your current forks would allow. In certain situations when you have a load which exceeds more than could be safely picked up on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Lift truck extensions offer the added capacity and support required whenever lifting containers, long pallets or very heavy loads. What's more, the extensions add more length to the blades that enables the person operating it to reach increased distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions truly saves a business the requirement to obtain individual machinery to be able to do the job. This can save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives making use of the machinery you already have.
A lot of extensions just slip over the standard lift truck blades. Extensions can be purchased so as to fit blades which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is essential to measure your extensions so as to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to making sure the accurate fit. When acquiring your extension size, be certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you will utilize an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for blade extensions. Based on this particular guideline, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the actual blade length. Following those rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions to prevent corrosion. The two most popular sizes for lift truck extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", though, different lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing mechanisms available. The first option secures the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are accessible either non-tapered or tapered for the majority of pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which comprise coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also made of steel. They are made to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions range in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions should be utilized when using whatever industrial tool or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions before using them is a very good habit to get into. After placing an extension onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be double checked. Physical injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would likewise help in order to ensure the safety of the one operating it and others working close by.
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