Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a good alternative whenever you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck allows. As well, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can securely pick up on your lift truck, an extension can help you carry out your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Extensions will offer added support and capacity to the lift truck when lifting or moving containers, pallets, or very heavy cargo. Also, the extensions would add more length to the current blades enabling the person operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions really saves a company the need to acquire separate equipment to be able to finish the job. This could save probably thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives with the equipment you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the lift truck forks. Extensions can be bought so as to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is extremely 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 as opposed to the size stated is vital to ensuring the correct fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, make sure it is equivalent to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you will make use of an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you can use. According to the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent of the actual blade length. Following those rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions in order to prevent corrosion. The two most common sizes for forklift extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, though, various lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing mechanisms available. The first option secures the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are existing either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally constructed of steel and can be made to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to utilize safety measures when handling whatever type of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to using it is even a good practice to get into. After the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be inspected too. Physical injury or destruction to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would likewise help in order to ensure the safety of the operator and individuals working in close proximity.
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