Fork Extension for Forklifts - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent option when there is a need to reach further than your current blades would allow. In certain cases when you have a load which exceeds more than can be safely lifted on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Efficiency
Forklift extensions provide the extra support and capacity required when picking up containers, long pallets or very heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the forks that enables the operator to be able to reach greater distances. Utilizing lift truck extensions truly saves a business the requirement to buy individual equipment to be able to do the job. This could save probably thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency choices making use of the machinery you already have.
A lot of extensions just slip over the typical forklift blades. Extensions could be acquired to be able to fit blades which have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is important to measure your extensions so as to obtain a proper 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 correct fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your blade's width. For example, if you have blades which are six inches wide, you will make use of an extension that is 6 inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a regulation length for blade extensions. According to this particular guideline, blade extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the original blade length. Following these rules will help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions to be able to avoid rust. The two most common sizes for lift truck extensions in the industry are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even if, various lengths are offered.
Securing Mechanism
There are two individual securing systems available. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The next and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and provides a more dependable 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 moving cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are usually constructed of steel and can be made to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place utilizing a locking bar, they slide on and off without difficulty. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be utilized when utilizing whichever industrial tool or machinery and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before using them is a very good routine to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching device must be inspected. Personal injury or destruction to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would also help so as to guarantee the safety of the one operating it as well as people working close by.
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