Fork Extension for Forklift - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific option when there is a need to reach further than your current forks would allow. In some situations when you have a load which exceeds more than can be securely picked up on your lift truck, an extension can help you do your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions would offer extra capacity and support to the forklift when moving or lifting containers, pallets, or very heavy loads. Also, the extensions will add more length to the current blades enabling the person operating it to be able to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a company the need to buy separate equipment to be able to complete the job. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives utilizing the equipment you already have.
Many of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions could be obtained in order to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is really essential that you measure the extensions to be certain of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to ensuring the accurate fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you would utilize an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA which regulate the length of extension which you can utilize. Based on the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than 50 percent of the actual fork length. Following those rules will help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions so as to avoid rust. The two most popular measurements for lift truck extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, different lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems existing. The first choice secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The next and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible in both tapered or non-tapered for most container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that comprise drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also constructed of steel. They are built to fit forks up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place with a locking bar, they slip on and off with no trouble. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions should be used whenever utilizing whatever industrial tool or machine and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions before using them is a very great habit to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism should be inspected. Personal injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will also help to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it and people working close by.
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