Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a great option when you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely lift on your lift truck, an extension could help you complete your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Extensions would offer added support and capacity to the lift truck when lifting or moving containers, pallets, or very heavy loads. In addition, the extensions would add more length to the current blades enabling the operator to be able to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a business the requirement to acquire individual machinery to be able to do the task. This can save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity options utilizing the machine you already have.
Many of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions could be bought in order to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is extremely vital that you gauge 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 vital to ensuring the right fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades that are 6 inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for fork extensions. Based on this particular guideline, fork extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the original fork length. Following those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions in order to prevent rust. The two most popular dimensions for forklift extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, various lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more secure attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are presented either non-tapered or tapered for most container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically made of steel and could be built to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place making use of a locking bar, they slip off and on effortlessly. Triangular extensions range in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be used whenever using whatever industrial tool or equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions before utilizing them is a really great practice to get into. After placing an extension onto the forklift, the securing mechanism must be inspected. Personal injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would even help to be able to ensure the safety of the operator as well as people working in close proximity.
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