Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a great choice whenever you find you have to reach further than your typical forklift will allow. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely raise on your lift truck, an extension could help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Forklift extensions provide the added support and capacity considered necessary whenever lifting long pallets, containers or really heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions add more length to the blades that helps the person operating it to be able to reach increased distances. Making use of forklift extensions saves a company the requirement to purchase separate equipment in order to complete the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives with the equipment you already have.
Many of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions can be purchased to be able to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is really vital that you measure the extensions to be sure of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the exact fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, make certain it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that regulate the length of extension that you can use. According to the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent of the original fork length. Abiding by these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions to avoid corrosion. The two most common dimensions for forklift extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", even though, different lengths are offered.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are accessible in two choices. The first choice secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. This is the quick release method. The next and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are available either tapered or non-tapered for the majority of pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which comprise pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even constructed of steel. They are built to fit blades up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slip off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be used whenever utilizing any industrial tool or machine and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions before utilizing them is a very good practice to get into. After placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching device must be inspected. Physical injury or destruction to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would even help to ensure the safety of the person operating it and others working close by.
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