Forklift Fork Extension - Forklift extensions are a good option when you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck will allow. As well, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely raise on your forklift, an extension could help you do your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions will provide added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever moving or lifting containers, pallets, or really heavy cargo. Also, the extensions would add more length to the existing forks enabling the individual operating it to reach further than before. Utilizing forklift extensions saves a business the need to acquire separate equipment in order to complete the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices making use of the machine you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions could be bought so as to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is extremely important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the exact fit. Whenever buying your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades that are 6 inches wide, you would use 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 utilize. According to the guidelines, extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the actual blade length. Abiding by those rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions in order to avoid rust. The two most common measurements for lift truck extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, different lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are existing in two choices. The first choice secures the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the rapid release mechanism. The next and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers 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 utilized when moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that comprise drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even made of steel. They are made to fit blades up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slip on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions range in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be utilized whenever utilizing any industrial device or machine and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions prior to using them is a really great practice to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the forklift, the securing mechanism should be double checked. Personal injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will even help to be able to ensure the safety of the person operating it and others working nearby.
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