Fork Extension for Forklifts - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific alternative when there is a need to reach further than your existing blades would allow. In several cases whenever you have a load that exceeds more than can be safely raised on your forklift, an extension can help you do your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Lift truck extensions provide the extra support and capacity required whenever lifting long pallets, containers or extremely heavy loads. In addition, the extensions add more length to the blades that helps the person operating it to reach greater distances. Utilizing forklift extensions really saves a company the requirement to acquire individual machinery to be able to do the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices using the machine you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be bought to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is really important that you measure the extensions to be sure of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is vital to making sure the exact fit. Whenever obtaining your extension size, make sure it is equal to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you will utilize 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 fifty percent of the actual blade length. Abiding by those rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions so as to avoid corrosion. The two most popular dimensions for forklift extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, various lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems available. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more stable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are available in both tapered or non-tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which have drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also made of steel. They are designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place making use of a locking bar, they slip off and on easily. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good idea to use safety precautions when dealing with whatever kind of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions before using it is likewise a good habit to get into. When the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be inspected as well. Personal injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help in order to guarantee the safety of the operator as well as those working in close proximity.
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