Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a great choice when you find you have to reach further than your typical forklift will allow. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds more than you could safely pick up on your lift truck, an extension can help you do your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Forklift extensions provide the extra capacity and support needed when raising containers, long pallets or really heavy loads. Moreover, the extensions add more length to the blades which helps the one operating it to be able to reach greater distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions saves a business the requirement to buy individual machinery so as to do the task. This could save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices making use of the equipment you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the lift truck forks. Extensions could be acquired so as to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is very essential that you measure the extensions to be sure of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to ensuring the exact fit. When acquiring your extension size, make sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you would utilize an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a guideline length for blade extensions. According to this particular guideline, fork extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the original fork length. Following these rules will 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 lift truck extensions in the industry are 60" and 72", although, other lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are obtainable in two options. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the lift truck with one 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 forklift extensions are obtainable either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads comprise coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally constructed of steel and can be designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place with a locking bar, they slide off and on effortlessly. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is always a great plan to use safety precautions whenever dealing with whichever kind of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions prior to using it is likewise a good habit to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the lift truck, the securing mechanism should be double checked also. Personal injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help so as to guarantee the safety of the operator and others working in close proximity.
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