Fork Extension for Forklift - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent choice whenever there is a need to reach further than your current forks will allow. In several cases when you have a load which exceeds more than can be safely raised on your forklift, an extension could help you execute your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Output
Forklift extensions offer the extra support and capacity needed when picking up containers, long pallets or really heavy loads. Also, the extensions add more length to the blades which enables the person operating it to be able to reach greater distances. Making use of forklift extensions truly saves a business the need to purchase separate machinery so as to do the job. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives making use of the machinery you already have.
Many of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions could be bought in order to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is very essential that you gauge the extensions to be certain of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to making sure the right fit. When acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you would 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 can use. Based on the guidelines, extensions can not be longer than 50 percent of the actual fork length. Abiding by those rules will help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions to prevent rust. The two most common sizes for forklift extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, different lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are presented in two choices. The first choice secures the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The second 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 offered either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically constructed of steel and can be built to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place using a locking bar, they slide on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is always a great idea to use safety measures whenever dealing with any kind of industrial machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions prior to use is even a great routine to get into. When the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism must be inspected as well. Physical injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations will likewise help in order to guarantee the safety of the one operating it as well as those working nearby.
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