Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a terrific alternative when there is a need to reach further than your current blades would allow. In certain situations when you have a load that exceeds more than could be securely raised on your forklift, an extension could help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Extensions would provide extra capacity and support to the lift truck whenever moving or lifting containers, pallets, or extremely heavy cargo. What's more, the extensions will add more length to the existing blades enabling the one operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions really saves a company the requirement to acquire separate machinery so as to finish the task. This can save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices with the equipment you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the lift truck forks. Extensions can be obtained so as to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is very important that you gauge the extensions to be certain of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to ensuring the accurate fit. When buying your extension size, be certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks which are 6 inches wide, you would utilize an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that standardize the length of extension which you can utilize. Based on the guidelines, extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the original fork length. Following those rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions to prevent rust. The two most popular measurements for lift truck extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, different lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are offered in two options. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are available in both non-tapered or tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads comprise drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally constructed of steel and could be made to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide on and off with no trouble. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a great idea to utilize safety precautions whenever dealing with whatever type of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to utilizing it is likewise a good practice to get into. Once the extensions have been placed onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism must be double checked too. Physical injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will likewise help in order to guarantee the safety of the one operating it as well as individuals working nearby.
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