Forklift Fork Extension - Forklift extensions are a excellent choice when there is a need to reach further than your current blades will allow. In several cases when you have a load that exceeds more than could be safely picked up on your lift truck, an extension can help you complete your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Output
Lift truck extensions offer the extra capacity and support required when raising long pallets, containers or really heavy loads. What's more, the extensions add more length to the blades that helps the operator to be able to reach greater distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a company the requirement to obtain separate equipment in order to finish the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency options using the equipment you already have.
Numerous extensions just slip on top of the typical lift truck blades. Extensions can be acquired to be able to fit blades that have widths of 4, 5 and 6 inches. It is vital to measure your extensions in order to obtain a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is vital to ensuring the right fit. Whenever buying your extension size, be certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For example, if you have forks that are 6 inches wide, you will use an extension which is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for fork extensions. Based on this particular regulation, blade extensions cannot be longer than fifty percent of the original fork length. Abiding by these rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel lift truck extensions so as to avoid rust. The two most common measurements for forklift extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, although, various lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are presented in two choices. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are available in both non-tapered or tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which comprise coils, pipes or drums are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even made of steel. They are made to fit blades up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place using a locking bar, they slip off and on without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to use safety precautions when handling whatever kind of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to utilizing it is likewise a good routine to get into. After the extensions have been positioned onto the forklift, the securing mechanism must be inspected as well. Physical injury or damage to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would even help to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it and others working nearby.
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