Forklift Fork Extension - Lift truck extensions are a great alternative whenever you find you have to reach further than your typical lift truck will allow. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can safely raise on your lift truck, an extension can help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Forklift extensions offer the added capacity and support required whenever picking up long pallets, containers or really heavy loads. Also, the extensions add more length to the blades which enables the individual operating it to be able to reach increased distances. Making use of forklift extensions truly saves a company the requirement to buy separate machinery to be able to finish the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity options with the equipment you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the forklift blades. Extensions could be purchased to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is very essential that you measure the extensions to be sure of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is paramount to making sure the exact fit. When buying your extension size, make certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a guideline length for fork extensions. Based on this particular regulation, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the original fork length. Following these rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions to prevent rust. The two most popular sizes for forklift extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are accessible in two options. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the rapid release method. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more secure attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are presented either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that consist of pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also constructed 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 slide off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be used whenever using whichever industrial tool or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions prior to utilizing them is a really good routine to get into. After placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be inspected. Physical injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would even help to ensure the safety of the one operating it and others working close by.
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