Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift truck extensions are a good choice whenever you find you have to reach further than your typical forklift allows. Moreover, if you find that a load exceeds over what you can securely raise on your lift truck, an extension can help you do your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Lift truck extensions provide the added capacity and support needed whenever picking up containers, long pallets or really heavy loads. Furthermore, the extensions add more length to the forks that helps the person operating it to reach increased distances. Making use of forklift extensions really saves a business the need to buy separate machinery to be able to do the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency options using the machine you already have.
Several of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the forklift forks. Extensions could be acquired so as to fit forks with widths from 4-6 inches. It is really important 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 than the size stated is paramount to ensuring the correct fit. Whenever buying your extension size, make sure it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have forks that are six inches wide, you will use an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards set by OSHA which standardize the length of extension that you can use. According to the regulation, extensions are not able to be longer than 50 percent of the actual fork length. Abiding by these rules would 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 measurements for forklift extensions in the trade are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, other lengths are obtainable.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are accessible in two choices. The first option connects the extensions onto the forklift with one pull pin. This is the quick release method. The second and safer alternative is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more secure attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are offered either tapered or non-tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which consist of pipes, drums or coils are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are also constructed of steel. They are built to fit forks up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Secured in place with a locking bar, they slip on and off easily. Triangular extensions vary in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be used whenever utilizing any industrial tool or equipment and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions before using them is a really great practice to get into. Right after placing an extension onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism should be inspected. Physical injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would likewise help to be able to ensure the safety of the one operating it as well as individuals working nearby.
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