Forklift Fork Extension - Forklift extensions are a great choice whenever you find you need to reach further than your typical lift truck will allow. In addition, if you find that a load exceeds more than you can safely raise on your lift truck, an extension could help you do your job safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Output
Extensions will provide extra capacity and support to the forklift whenever lifting or moving pallets, containers, or really heavy cargo. Additionally, the extensions will add more length to the current forks enabling the operator to be able to reach further than before. Utilizing lift truck extensions really saves a company the requirement to obtain individual machinery to be able to finish the task. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity choices utilizing the machine you already have.
Many extensions just slip on the typical lift truck blades. Extensions could be bought so as to fit forks which have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is important to measure your extensions in order to obtain a correct fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width which is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the correct fit. Whenever purchasing your extension size, be sure it is equal to your blade's width. For instance, if you have forks which are six inches wide, you will use 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 fifty percent of the actual blade length. Following those rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions to be able to avoid corrosion. The two most popular dimensions for forklift extensions in the business are 60" and 72", even though, various lengths are existing.
Securing Mechanism
Securing mechanisms are available in two options. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. This is the quick release method. The next and safer alternative 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 pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized when transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads consist of coils drums or pipes. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally made of steel and could be made to fit forks up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place utilizing a locking bar, they slip off and on with no trouble. Triangular extensions differ in length from fifty four to sixty inches.
Safety Measures
It is always a great plan to utilize safety measures when handling whichever type of industrial equipment and forklift extensions are no different. Checking your lift truck extensions before utilizing it is also a great practice to get into. Once the extensions have been positioned onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism must be inspected as well. Physical injury or destruction to the load could occur if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations will also help so as to guarantee the safety of the one operating it as well as those working nearby.
Click to Download the pdf