Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a great alternative whenever you find you have to reach further than your standard forklift will allow. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds over what you could securely raise on your forklift, an extension could help you do your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Forklift extensions offer the extra capacity and support considered necessary when picking up long pallets, containers or extremely heavy loads. What's more, the extensions add more length to the forks that enables the person operating it to be able to reach greater distances. Making use of lift truck extensions truly saves a business the need to obtain individual machinery in order to do the job. This can save probably thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives making use of the machine you already have.
Many extensions just slip on the standard forklift blades. Extensions can be obtained so as to fit blades that have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is essential to measure your extensions in order to obtain a right 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 right fit. Whenever 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 that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for fork extensions. According to this particular guideline, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50% 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 metal forklift extensions to be able to prevent rust. The two most popular dimensions for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are available in two options. The first option connects the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the rapid release mechanism. 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 accessible either non-tapered or tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically constructed of steel and could be made to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place with a locking bar, they slip on and off easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is always a good idea to utilize safety precautions whenever dealing with whatever type of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions before use is likewise a great routine to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism should be inspected as well. Personal injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would even help to ensure the safety of the one operating it and people working nearby.
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