Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a great alternative when you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds more than you can securely pick up on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Extensions will offer extra support and capacity to the lift truck when moving or lifting pallets, containers, or extremely heavy cargo. In addition, the extensions would add more length to the existing blades enabling the one operating it to be able to reach farther than before. Making use of lift truck extensions really saves a company the need to acquire individual equipment so as to do the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices utilizing the machine you already have.
Many extensions just slip on top of the standard lift truck forks. Extensions could be purchased to be able to fit forks that have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is vital to measure your extensions in order to obtain a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is vital to making sure the exact fit. When buying your extension size, be certain it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks which are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that regulate the length of extension which you can utilize. According to the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent of the actual fork length. Following these rules will help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions to avoid rust. The two most common sizes for forklift extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, though, other lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems available. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. The next and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are offered in both non-tapered or tapered for the majority of pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically made of steel and can be made to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place using a locking bar, they slip off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be utilized when using whichever industrial device or machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions before utilizing them is a really great practice to get into. After placing an extension onto the lift truck, the securing device must be inspected. Physical injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would likewise help to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it and those working close by.
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