Forklift Fork Extension - Lift truck extensions are a good choice whenever you find you have to reach further than your typical forklift allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds over what you could securely lift on your forklift, an extension can help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Forklift extensions offer the extra capacity and support needed when picking up long pallets, containers or extremely heavy loads. Moreover, the extensions add more length to the blades that helps the one operating it to reach increased distances. Making use of lift truck extensions really saves a company the requirement to buy separate equipment to be able to do the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices with the machine you already have.
Many of the fork extensions would just slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be acquired in order to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is very vital that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is vital to ensuring the right fit. When acquiring your extension size, make sure it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks which are six inches wide, you would make use of an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA which regulate the length of extension which you could utilize. Based on the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than 50% of the original blade length. Following those rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions in order to avoid rust. The two most common measurements for forklift extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, various lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are offered in two options. The first choice connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the quick release method. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which comprise pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even constructed of steel. They are designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off easily. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
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 before using it is also a good routine to get into. When the extensions have been placed onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism should be inspected as well. Physical injury or damage to the load can take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would likewise help so as to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it as well as those working in close proximity.
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