Fork Extension for Forklift - Lift truck extensions are a good alternative when you find you have to reach further than your typical lift truck allows. As well, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could securely pick up on your lift truck, an extension could help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions would provide added capacity and support to the forklift when lifting or moving pallets, containers, or extremely heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions will add more length to the existing forks enabling the person operating it to reach further than before. Making use of lift truck extensions saves a company the requirement to obtain separate equipment so as to finish the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity options with the machinery you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip over the typical forklift blades. Extensions can be obtained to fit forks that have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is vital to measure your extensions in order to obtain a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to ensuring the exact fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be certain it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you will 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 can utilize. Based on the regulation, extensions can not be longer than 50% of the actual blade length. Abiding by those rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions to avoid rust. The two most popular measurements for lift truck extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, though, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are existing in two options. The first option secures the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The next and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more secure attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are offered in both non-tapered or tapered for most container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads comprise coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are typically constructed of steel and could be built to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place making use of a locking bar, they slip off and on easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be used when utilizing any industrial device or machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to using them is a really great habit to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the securing device must be double checked. Personal injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would likewise help so as to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it as well as others working close by.
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