Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a excellent choice when there is a need to reach further than your current blades will allow. In several circumstances whenever you have a load which exceeds more than could be securely lifted on your lift truck, an extension can help you do your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Lift truck extensions offer the extra capacity and support required when raising containers, long pallets or really heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions add more length to the forks which enables the individual operating it to reach increased distances. Utilizing forklift extensions truly saves a company the need to buy separate equipment so as to do the job. This can save probably thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices with the machinery you already have.
Several of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions could be bought in order to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is extremely vital that you gauge the extensions to be certain of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to ensuring the correct fit. When acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your fork's width. For example, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that regulate the length of extension that you could use. Based on the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than 50 percent of the original blade length. Following those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions so as to avoid rust. The two most common dimensions for forklift extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even if, different lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are offered in two options. The first option secures the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the rapid release method. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are available 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 have coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually constructed of steel and can be built to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place making use of a locking bar, they slip off and on effortlessly. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to use safety measures when handling whatever type of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions before using it is likewise a great routine to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be inspected as well. Personal injury or damage to the load can take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help so as to guarantee the safety of the person operating it and others working in close proximity.
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