Fork Extension for Forklifts - Lift truck extensions are a great option whenever you find you need to reach further than your typical lift truck allows. Additionally, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could safely lift on your lift truck, an extension can help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions would offer added capacity and support to the lift truck when lifting or moving containers, pallets, or very heavy cargo. Additionally, the extensions would add more length to the existing forks enabling the one operating it to be able to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a business the requirement to obtain individual equipment in order to do the job. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices making use of the machinery you already have.
Several of the fork extensions would just slip overtop of the forklift blades. Extensions can be acquired in order to fit blades with widths from 4-6 inches. It is extremely essential that you gauge the extensions to be certain of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to making sure the accurate fit. Whenever obtaining your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you would utilize an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a guideline length for fork extensions. Based on this particular guideline, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the actual fork length. Abiding by these rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions in order to prevent corrosion. The two most common sizes for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, various lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are presented in two choices. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are accessible in both non-tapered or tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally made of steel and can be built to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be utilized when using whichever industrial tool or machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before utilizing them is a really great routine to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be double checked. Physical injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will even help to ensure the safety of the person operating it as well as those working in close proximity.
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