Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a good alternative when you find you need to reach further than your standard forklift parts will allow. Additionally, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could safely raise on your forklift, an extension could help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Output
Extensions would offer extra capacity and support to the forklift when moving or lifting pallets, containers, or extremely heavy cargo. Furthermore, the extensions would add more length to the current forks enabling the person operating it to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions truly saves a company the requirement to purchase individual machinery in order to complete the job. This could save probably thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices making use of the equipment you already have.
Many extensions just slip on the typical forklift blades. Extensions could be bought so as to fit blades which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is vital to measure your extensions so as to obtain a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is vital to making sure the accurate fit. When purchasing your extension size, make certain it is equal to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you could use. According to the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than 50 percent 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 forklift extensions to avoid corrosion. The two most common dimensions for forklift extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, various lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems existing. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are presented in both tapered or non-tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that comprise coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even constructed of steel. They are made to fit forks up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place using a locking bar, they slide on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions should be used when using whatever industrial device or machine and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions before utilizing them is a really great routine to get into. After placing an extension onto the forklift, the securing device should be inspected. Physical injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would also help to be able to guarantee the safety of the operator and those working nearby.
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