Fork Extension for Forklift - Lift truck extensions are a good choice when you find you need to reach further than your typical lift truck allows. In addition, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can securely raise on your forklift, an extension can help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Lift truck extensions offer the added capacity and support considered necessary whenever raising long pallets, containers or extremely heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions add more length to the forks which helps the one operating it to be able to reach increased distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions truly saves a company the need to buy separate equipment so as to do the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity options using the machinery you already have.
Many of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions can be bought so as to fit blades with widths from 4-6 inches. It is extremely important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is paramount to making sure the right fit. When buying your extension size, make certain it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you would utilize an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that standardize the length of extension that you can use. According to the regulation, extensions can not be longer than 50 percent of the original fork length. Abiding by 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 common measurements for forklift extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, other lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems existing. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The next and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible in both non-tapered or tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually constructed of steel and can be built to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a great plan to utilize safety precautions when handling whatever kind of industrial machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions prior to use is even a good habit to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism should be inspected too. Personal injury or destruction to the load can take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will likewise help so as to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it and those working in close proximity.
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