Fork Extension for Forklift - Lift truck extensions are a great choice when you find you have to reach further than your typical lift truck will allow. In addition, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely pick up on your lift truck, an extension could help you carry out your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Lift truck extensions offer the extra capacity and support considered necessary whenever picking up containers, long pallets or extremely heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions add more length to the forks which helps the operator to be able to reach increased distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions truly saves a company the need to purchase separate machinery in order to do the task. This can save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices with the equipment you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip on top of the typical forklift forks. Extensions can be obtained to fit forks which have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is vital to measure your extensions in order to obtain a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to ensuring the accurate fit. When purchasing your extension size, be certain it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you would utilize an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which standardize the length of extension which you could use. According to the guidelines, extensions can not be longer than 50 percent of the original 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 avoid corrosion. The two most common measurements for forklift extensions in the business are 60" and 72", even if, different lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first alternative connects 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 secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are obtainable either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring 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 making use of a locking bar, they slide off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is at all times a great idea to use safety measures when handling whichever kind of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to use is even a great practice to get into. After the extensions have been positioned onto the forklift, the securing mechanism should be double checked also. Personal injury or destruction to the load could occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help in order to ensure the safety of the operator as well as those working in close proximity.
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