Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a excellent option when there is a need to reach further than your current forks will allow. In several circumstances whenever you have a load that exceeds more than can be safely raised on your forklift, an extension can help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions will provide added support and capacity to the forklift whenever moving or lifting pallets, containers, or extremely heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions would add more length to the current blades enabling the individual operating it to reach further than before. Making use of lift truck extensions saves a company the requirement to purchase individual equipment to be able to finish the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives utilizing the machinery you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip over the standard lift truck blades. Extensions can be purchased in order to fit blades that have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is vital to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the right fit. When obtaining your extension size, make sure it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades that are 6 inches wide, you would make use of an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for blade extensions. Based on this particular guideline, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the actual blade length. Following those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions to avoid corrosion. The two most popular dimensions for lift truck extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even if, various lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first choice connects the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are accessible either non-tapered or tapered for most container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which have coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are likewise made of steel. They are designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place making use of a locking bar, they slip on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to use safety precautions whenever dealing with any kind of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to use is also a good practice to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be inspected also. Personal injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would even help so as to guarantee the safety of the person operating it and people working close by.
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