Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a good choice whenever you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds more than you can safely pick up on your forklift, an extension could help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Lift truck extensions offer the added support and capacity considered necessary whenever lifting long pallets, containers or very heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the blades that enables the individual operating it to be able to reach increased distances. Making use of forklift extensions saves a business the requirement to buy individual equipment so as to finish the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices utilizing the equipment you already have.
Numerous extensions just slip on top of the standard forklift blades. Extensions can be bought in order to fit forks which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is important to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the correct fit. When purchasing your extension size, be sure it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks which are 6 inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you could use. Based on the guidelines, extensions can not be longer than 50% of the actual blade length. Abiding by these rules will help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions so as to prevent rust. The two most popular dimensions for lift truck extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", even though, different lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are obtainable in two options. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. This is the quick release method. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are available either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that have pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even made of steel. They are designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place using a locking bar, they slip on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be used whenever utilizing whichever industrial tool or equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions before utilizing them is a really good routine to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be double checked. Personal injury or destruction to the load could take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help so as to ensure the safety of the individual operating it and others working close by.
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