Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific alternative when there is a need to reach further than your current forks will allow. In some cases when you have a load which exceeds more than could be safely lifted on your forklift, an extension could help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Forklift extensions provide the added capacity and support required whenever lifting containers, long pallets or very heavy loads. Moreover, the extensions add more length to the blades which helps the person operating it to be able to reach greater distances. Utilizing forklift extensions truly saves a company the requirement to obtain separate equipment in order to finish the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives making use of the equipment you already have.
Many extensions just slip on top of the standard forklift forks. Extensions can be acquired so as to fit blades which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is important to measure your extensions in order to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to ensuring the exact fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, make sure it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you would utilize an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for fork extensions. Based on this particular guideline, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the original blade length. Abiding by those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions to avoid corrosion. The two most common dimensions for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, though, other lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are accessible in two options. The first option secures the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the quick release method. The second 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 non-tapered or tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which comprise drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also constructed of steel. They are built to fit forks up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place using a locking bar, they slide on and off with no trouble. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good idea to use safety measures when dealing with whatever type of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to utilizing it is likewise a good practice to get into. When the extensions have been placed onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism should be inspected also. Physical injury or destruction to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will also help to ensure the safety of the operator as well as others working close by.
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