Fork Extension for Forklifts - Forklift extensions are a good choice when you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck allows. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds over what you could safely raise on your forklift, an extension could help you do your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Forklift extensions offer the added support and capacity needed whenever lifting containers, long pallets or extremely heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the forks that helps the operator to be able to reach greater distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a business the need to purchase separate machinery to be able to do the job. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives utilizing the equipment you already have.
Numerous extensions just slip on the standard lift truck forks. Extensions could be obtained to be able to fit blades that have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is important to measure your extensions so as to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is paramount to ensuring the exact fit. When acquiring your extension size, make sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For example, if you have forks which are 6 inches wide, you would use 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. Based on the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than 50% of the original blade length. Abiding by these rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions in order to avoid corrosion. The two most common dimensions for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first alternative secures 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 dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are presented in both non-tapered or tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that consist of drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are likewise made of steel. They are made to fit blades up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to use safety measures whenever handling whatever type of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions prior to utilizing it is even a great routine to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be inspected too. Personal injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will likewise help to guarantee the safety of the person operating it as well as people working in close proximity.
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