Forklift Fork Extensions - Forklift extensions are a excellent choice when there is a need to reach further than your existing forks will allow. In some situations whenever you have a load that exceeds more than can be securely lifted on your lift truck, an extension can help you carry out your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions would provide added support and capacity to the lift truck whenever moving or lifting pallets, containers, or very heavy loads. In addition, the extensions will add more length to the existing blades enabling the person operating it to reach farther than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a business the requirement to purchase separate machinery to be able to complete the task. This can save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency options making use of the equipment you already have.
Many of the fork extensions would simply slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be acquired so as to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is very important that you gauge the extensions to be certain of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is vital to ensuring the exact fit. When obtaining your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you will use an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you can utilize. According to the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than fifty percent of the original blade length. Abiding by these rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions in order to avoid corrosion. The two most popular sizes for forklift extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", even though, other lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems available. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are available either non-tapered or tapered for the majority of container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that consist of drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also made of steel. They are built to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place using a locking bar, they slide off and on with no trouble. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is at all times a good plan to use safety precautions whenever dealing with whichever kind of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your forklift extensions prior to use is also a good habit to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism must be inspected too. Personal injury or damage to the load can take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help to ensure the safety of the operator as well as others working in close proximity.
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