Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a great alternative when you find you have to reach further than your typical lift truck will allow. Additionally, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could safely pick up on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Lift truck extensions provide the added support and capacity considered necessary whenever raising long pallets, containers or extremely heavy loads. What's more, the extensions add more length to the forks which helps the individual operating it to reach increased distances. Making use of lift truck extensions really saves a company the need to purchase individual equipment to be able to do the task. This can save probably thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives utilizing the machine you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the forklift blades. Extensions can be purchased in order to fit blades with widths from 4-6 inches. It is extremely essential that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to ensuring the exact fit. When obtaining your extension size, be certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks which are 6 inches wide, you will utilize an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that standardize the length of extension which you can utilize. According to the regulation, extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the original blade length. Following these rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions in order to prevent corrosion. The two most popular dimensions for lift truck extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, various lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are existing in two options. The first choice connects the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. This is the rapid release method. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are presented in both tapered or non-tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally made of steel and can be built to fit blades 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 easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be utilized whenever utilizing whatever industrial device or equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions before using them is a really great practice to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the forklift, the securing mechanism must be double checked. Personal injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would likewise help in order to ensure the safety of the one operating it and individuals working close by.
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