Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent alternative when there is a need to reach further than your current blades will allow. In several situations whenever you have a load that exceeds more than could be safely raised on your lift truck, an extension could help you carry out your job safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Forklift extensions offer the added capacity and support required when picking up long pallets, containers or very heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the forks which enables the individual operating it to reach greater distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a company the need to buy separate equipment so as to do the job. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices making use of the machine you already have.
Many extensions just slip on the standard forklift blades. Extensions can be obtained to fit blades which have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is essential to measure your extensions in order to obtain a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is vital to ensuring the right fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equal to your fork'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
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for fork extensions. Based on this particular regulation, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50% of the actual blade length. Abiding by these rules would help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal forklift extensions so as to prevent corrosion. The two most common measurements for lift truck extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, various lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are presented in two options. The first alternative secures the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the rapid release mechanism. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are obtainable in both tapered or non-tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are used when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads that consist of pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also made of steel. They are designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and which are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide on and off easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is at all times a good idea to utilize safety precautions when dealing with whichever kind of industrial machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions prior to using it is also a good habit to get into. After the extensions have been placed onto the forklift, the securing mechanism must be inspected also. Physical injury or damage to the load could occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help in order to guarantee the safety of the one operating it as well as people working close by.
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