Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent choice whenever there is a need to reach further than your existing forks would allow. In certain cases whenever you have a load which exceeds more than could be safely lifted on your forklift, an extension can help you complete your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Output
Lift truck extensions offer the added support and capacity required when lifting containers, long pallets or very heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the blades that enables the person operating it to reach greater distances. Making use of lift truck extensions saves a company the requirement to buy separate machinery in order to finish the job. This can save probably thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices making use of the machine you already have.
Many of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the forklift blades. Extensions could be purchased to be able to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is extremely important that you measure the extensions to be certain of a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to ensuring the correct fit. When obtaining your extension size, make sure it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have forks which are 6 inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you can utilize. Based on the regulation, extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the original fork length. Following these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions so as to avoid corrosion. The two most common measurements for lift truck extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even if, different lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are obtainable in two options. The first option secures the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The next and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are offered either tapered or non-tapered for most container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have pipes, coils or drums. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically constructed of steel and could be built to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place making use of a locking bar, they slide on and off with no trouble. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be used whenever using whatever industrial device or equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to utilizing them is a very great habit to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism must be inspected. Physical injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will even help in order to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it and others working in close proximity.
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