Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a good alternative whenever you find you need to reach further than your typical lift truck allows. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds more than you can safely raise on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions would offer added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever lifting or moving containers, pallets, or very heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions would add more length to the current forks enabling the individual operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions truly saves a business the requirement to acquire individual machinery so as to finish the job. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives using the equipment you already have.
Many extensions just slip on the typical lift truck forks. Extensions could be obtained in order to fit blades that have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is essential to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is paramount to making sure the exact fit. Whenever obtaining your extension size, make sure it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you will make use of an extension which is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for blade extensions. Based on this particular regulation, blade extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the actual fork length. Following these rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions to avoid rust. The two most popular dimensions for lift truck extensions in the business are 60" and 72", even if, different lengths are offered.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems available. The first choice secures the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. The next 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 in both non-tapered or tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually constructed of steel and could be made to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place making use of a locking bar, they slide on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to use safety measures whenever dealing with any type of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions before use is likewise a great habit to get into. When the extensions have been placed onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism must be inspected as well. Physical injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will even help to be able to ensure the safety of the individual operating it and those working close by.
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