Fork Extension for Forklift - Forklift extensions are a good choice when you find you need to reach further than your standard lift truck allows. In addition, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely raise on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Forklift extensions offer the added capacity and support considered necessary when raising long pallets, containers or really heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions add more length to the blades which enables the individual operating it to be able to reach increased distances. Making use of forklift extensions really saves a company the requirement to purchase separate equipment to be able to finish the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives utilizing the equipment you already have.
Many extensions just slip on the standard lift truck blades. Extensions can be acquired to fit forks which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is important to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the exact fit. When acquiring your extension size, be certain it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you would use an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a guideline length for blade extensions. Based on this particular regulation, blade extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the actual blade length. Following these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions in order to prevent rust. The two most common dimensions for forklift extensions in the industry are 60" and 72", though, different lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are presented in two choices. The first option secures the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the rapid release mechanism. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are existing in both tapered or non-tapered for the majority of pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically constructed of steel and could be built to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off with no trouble. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be utilized when using whatever industrial device or equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to utilizing them is a very great routine to get into. After placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching device must be double checked. Personal injury or destruction to the load can take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will even help to be able to guarantee the safety of the person operating it as well as people working nearby.
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