Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a good option when you find you have to reach further than your standard forklift allows. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds more than you can safely raise on your lift truck, an extension can help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Output
Extensions will offer extra support and capacity to the lift truck when lifting or moving pallets, containers, or really heavy loads. What's more, the extensions would add more length to the existing forks enabling the one operating it to reach further than before. Utilizing forklift extensions really saves a business the requirement to buy separate machinery in order to do the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices utilizing the machine you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the lift truck forks. Extensions can be acquired to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is very important that you measure the extensions to be sure of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to ensuring the exact fit. Whenever purchasing your extension size, make certain it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you would 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, fork extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the original blade length. Abiding by those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions to be able to prevent corrosion. The two most common sizes for forklift extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, various lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are obtainable in two options. The first option secures the extensions onto the lift truck with one 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 dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible in both tapered or non-tapered for the majority of pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads comprise drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically made of steel and could be designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slip off and on easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is always a great plan to use safety measures whenever handling whatever type of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions prior to using it is even a good practice to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism must be inspected as well. Personal injury or damage to the load can take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would even help to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it and people working close by.
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