Fork Extension for Forklifts - Forklift extensions are a great alternative whenever you find you have to reach further than your standard forklift will allow. As well, if you find that a load exceeds more than you can securely pick up on your forklift, an extension could help you complete your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions would provide added support and capacity to the forklift when moving or lifting containers, pallets, or very heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions will add more length to the current blades enabling the one operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a business the requirement to buy individual equipment so as to do the job. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives with the equipment you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be bought in order to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is very vital that you measure the extensions to be sure of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to ensuring the correct fit. Whenever purchasing your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades that are 6 inches wide, you will utilize an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for blade extensions. According to this particular regulation, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the original fork length. Abiding by those rules will 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 popular sizes for forklift extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even if, different lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible in both tapered or non-tapered for most container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that consist of coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are likewise made of steel. They are designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place with a locking bar, they slip off and on easily. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is at all times a good plan to use safety measures when handling whichever type of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions prior to use is also a great habit to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism should be inspected also. Physical injury or destruction to the load could occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will also help to be able to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it as well as those working in close proximity.
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