Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a good choice when you find you need to reach further than your standard forklift will allow. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds over what you could safely lift on your lift truck, an extension could help you carry out your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions will provide added support and capacity to the lift truck whenever lifting or moving containers, pallets, or extremely heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions will add more length to the current forks enabling the person operating it to reach farther than before. Making use of forklift extensions really saves a company the need to buy individual equipment to be able to complete the job. This could save probably thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices utilizing the equipment you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip on the typical forklift blades. Extensions could be purchased to fit forks which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is essential to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to making sure the exact fit. Whenever buying your extension size, make certain it is equivalent to your blade's width. For example, if you have forks that are 6 inches wide, you would utilize an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA that regulate the length of extension which you could use. Based on the guidelines, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent of the original fork length. Abiding by these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions to be able to prevent rust. The two most popular measurements for lift truck extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", although, different lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are accessible in two options. The first choice connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the rapid release method. The next and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that comprise coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also made of steel. They are made to fit forks up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place making use of a locking bar, they slip off and on with no trouble. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is at all times a great plan to utilize safety precautions whenever dealing with whichever type of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to use is also a good practice to get into. After the extensions have been positioned onto the forklift, the securing mechanism must be double checked also. Personal injury or destruction to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would even help to be able to ensure the safety of the individual operating it as well as people working close by.
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