Fork Extension for Forklifts - Forklift extensions are a good alternative whenever you find you have to reach further than your standard lift truck will allow. In addition, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can safely lift on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Productivity
Extensions will offer added capacity and support to the forklift when lifting or moving containers, pallets, or very heavy loads. Also, the extensions would add more length to the existing blades enabling the person operating it to be able to reach farther than before. Utilizing forklift extensions really saves a company the need to purchase individual machinery so as to complete the job. This can save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity alternatives using the machine you already have.
Numerous extensions just slip on top of the standard lift truck blades. Extensions can be obtained in order to fit forks that have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is vital to measure your extensions in order 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 paramount to making sure the accurate fit. Whenever purchasing your extension size, be certain it is equal to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you will use an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that standardize the length of extension that you could use. According to the regulation, extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the actual blade length. Following those rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions so as to avoid rust. The two most popular measurements for forklift extensions in the business are 60" and 72", even though, different lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing mechanisms available. The first choice connects the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are presented either non-tapered or tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads comprise coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally made of steel and could be designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place making use of a locking bar, they slip on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions range in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is at all times a great plan to use safety precautions whenever dealing with any kind of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions prior to utilizing it is also a good practice to get into. When the extensions have been positioned onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism must be inspected too. Physical injury or destruction to the load could take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would likewise help so as to ensure the safety of the person operating it and those working nearby.
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