Forklift Fork Extension - Forklift extensions are a great alternative whenever you find you need to reach further than your standard lift truck will allow. Additionally, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can securely lift on your forklift, an extension can help you carry out your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Lift truck extensions offer the added capacity and support required whenever lifting containers, long pallets or extremely heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the forks which helps the one operating it to be able to reach greater distances. Making use of lift truck extensions saves a company the requirement to acquire separate machinery in order to finish the job. This could save probably thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency options utilizing the equipment you already have.
A lot of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions can be acquired to be able to fit forks with widths from four to six inches. It is really vital that you measure the extensions to be certain of a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider as opposed to the size stated is paramount to making sure the exact fit. Whenever buying your extension size, be sure it is equal to your fork's width. For example, if you have forks that are 6 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 use. According to the guidelines, extensions can not be longer than 50% of the original fork length. Following these rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions to be able to avoid corrosion. The two most popular measurements for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, though, other lengths are offered.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are accessible in two options. The first option secures the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. This is the quick release mechanism. The next and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are obtainable 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 consist of 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. Fixed in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is at all times a great idea to use safety precautions whenever dealing with whichever type of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions prior to utilizing it is also a great practice to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism must be double checked too. Physical injury or destruction to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would likewise help so as to guarantee the safety of the person operating it as well as people working nearby.
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