Forklift Fork Extension - Lift Truck extensions are a terrific option when there is a need to reach further than your existing blades would allow. In several circumstances whenever you have a load which exceeds more than can be securely raised on your lift truck, an extension can help you carry out your task safely.
Increasing Lift Truck Productivity
Extensions would offer extra capacity and support to the forklift whenever lifting or moving containers, pallets, or very heavy loads. Additionally, the extensions would add more length to the existing blades enabling the one operating it to be able to reach farther than before. Making use of forklift extensions truly saves a company the requirement to acquire separate equipment to be able to complete the task. This can save possibly thousands of dollars while adding more efficiency and productivity options utilizing the machine you already have.
Many of the fork extensions will simply slip overtop of the forklift blades. Extensions could be purchased in order to fit blades with widths from four to six inches. It is extremely important that you gauge the extensions to be sure of a correct 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. When obtaining your extension size, be certain it is equivalent to your fork's width. For instance, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you will utilize an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
OSHA standards for safety have a guideline length for blade extensions. Based on this particular guideline, fork extensions cannot be longer than 50 percent of the actual fork length. Abiding by those rules will help to sustain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the steel forklift extensions in order to avoid corrosion. The two most popular sizes for lift truck extensions in the trade are 60" and 72", even though, various lengths are offered.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing mechanisms available. The first alternative connects the extensions onto the forklift with a single pull pin. The second and safer option is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more dependable attachment of the extension. The lift truck extensions are accessible in both non-tapered or tapered for nearly all pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever transporting cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Cylinder loads have drums, pipes or coils. The extensions made to fit cylinder loads are normally made of steel and could be designed to fit blades up to 2" thick and are 4" to 5" in width. Attached in place with a locking bar, they slide on and off easily. Triangular extensions range in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
It is always a great plan to utilize safety precautions when dealing with any kind of industrial machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Inspecting your lift truck extensions before use is also a great routine to get into. Once the extensions have been placed onto the lift truck, the attaching mechanism must be double checked as well. Physical injury or destruction to the load can occur if the extensions were to become loose and fall off. Adhering OSHA regulations would even help in order to guarantee the safety of the individual operating it as well as people working nearby.
Click to Download the pdf