Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent alternative whenever there is a need to reach further than your existing blades would allow. In certain situations whenever you have a load that exceeds more than can be safely lifted on your lift truck, an extension can help you execute your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Lift truck extensions offer the extra capacity and support needed when raising containers, long pallets or very heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the blades which helps the one operating it to be able to reach greater distances. Making use of lift truck extensions really saves a business the need to purchase individual machinery so as to finish the job. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity options making use of the machine you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the lift truck forks. Extensions could be obtained in order to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is really vital that you measure the extensions to be sure of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inner width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to ensuring the correct fit. When acquiring your extension size, make certain it is equivalent to your blade's width. For instance, if you have blades that are six inches wide, you would make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA that standardize the length of extension that you can use. According to the regulation, extensions can not be longer than 50 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 steel lift truck extensions in order to avoid corrosion. The two most common measurements for lift truck extensions in the industry are 60" and 72", even though, various lengths are offered.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are accessible in two choices. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. This is the rapid release mechanism. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more stable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are accessible either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are used whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that have pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also constructed of steel. They are made to fit forks up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place with a locking bar, they slide off and on with no trouble. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a good plan to utilize safety measures when dealing with any kind of industrial equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions before use is even a great practice to get into. When the extensions have been placed onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism should be inspected as well. Physical injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will also help in order to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it as well as individuals working close by.
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