Forklift extensions are a excellent option whenever there is a need to reach further than your current forks would allow. In some situations when you have a load which exceeds more than could be safely lifted on your lift truck, an extension can help you do your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions would offer added support and capacity to the lift truck when lifting or moving pallets, containers, or really heavy cargo. Furthermore, the extensions would add more length to the current forks enabling the one operating it to reach further than before. Making use of forklift extensions really saves a business the requirement to buy individual machinery to be able to finish the task. This could save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives utilizing the equipment you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will just slip overtop of the lift truck blades. Extensions can be acquired to be able to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is extremely important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a right fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider compared to the the size stated is paramount to making sure the accurate fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, make sure it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you would make use of an extension which 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 percent 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 to avoid rust. The two most popular sizes for forklift extensions in the business are 60" and 72", even though, other lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems existing. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the lift truck with one pull pin. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more stable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are available in both tapered or non-tapered for most container and pallet loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which comprise pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even made of steel. They are made to fit forks up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide on and off effortlessly. Triangular extensions range in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is at all times a good plan to use safety precautions when dealing with whatever type of industrial machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to use is likewise a good habit to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism must be double checked too. Physical injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will likewise help so as to ensure the safety of the operator and those working in close proximity.
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