Fork Extension for Forklift - Lift truck extensions are a good alternative whenever you find you have to reach further than your standard forklift allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can safely lift on your forklift, an extension can help you do your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions will offer added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever lifting or moving containers, pallets, or extremely heavy cargo. In addition, the extensions would add more length to the existing forks enabling the one operating it to be able to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions saves a company the need to obtain separate machinery to be able to finish the job. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices utilizing the machinery you already have.
Numerous extensions just slip over the typical lift truck blades. Extensions could be purchased so as to fit blades that have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is essential to measure your extensions so as to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the correct fit. Whenever obtaining your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you will utilize an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which regulate the length of extension that you could use. According to the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than 50% of the original blade length. Following these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions to prevent corrosion. The two most common sizes for lift truck extensions in the business are 60" and 72", even if, various lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are offered in two choices. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible in both non-tapered or tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which consist of pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even constructed of steel. They are designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is at all times a great idea to use safety measures whenever dealing with whichever type of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions before use is likewise a great practice to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be inspected also. Physical injury or destruction to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would also help to be able to ensure the safety of the operator and individuals working in close proximity.
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