Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a good choice when you find you need to reach further than your typical lift truck will allow. Furthermore, if you find that a load exceeds over what you could securely pick up on your lift truck, an extension can help you carry out your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions would offer extra capacity and support to the lift truck whenever moving or lifting pallets, containers, or very heavy cargo. What's more, the extensions would add more length to the existing forks enabling the person operating it to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a company the need to buy separate equipment so as to finish the job. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices using the machine you already have.
A lot of extensions just slip over the standard forklift forks. Extensions can be acquired to be able to fit forks which have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is important to measure your extensions to be able to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to ensuring the accurate fit. Whenever obtaining your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for blade extensions. Based on this particular regulation, fork extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the original blade length. Following those rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions so as to prevent corrosion. The two most common dimensions for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, though, other lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first choice secures the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are offered in both non-tapered or tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that have pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even constructed of steel. They are made to fit blades up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place with a locking bar, they slide off and on easily. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is at all times a good plan to use safety precautions when handling any type of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions prior to utilizing it is likewise a good habit to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be inspected too. Personal injury or destruction to the load can take place 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 in close proximity.
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