Forklift Fork Extensions - Lift Truck extensions are a excellent option whenever there is a need to reach further than your current blades would allow. In several circumstances whenever you have a load that exceeds more than could be securely lifted on your lift truck, an extension could help you carry out your task safely.
Increasing Forklift Efficiency
Extensions will offer added capacity and support to the lift truck whenever moving or lifting pallets, containers, or very heavy loads. Moreover, 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 lift truck extensions truly saves a business the need to purchase separate equipment in order to finish the job. This can save potentially thousands of dollars while adding more productivity and efficiency alternatives utilizing the machinery you already have.
Lots of extensions just slip over the typical forklift forks. Extensions can be obtained to be able to fit forks that have widths of 4", 5" and 6". It is essential to measure your extensions so as to obtain a proper fit. Knowing that extensions have an inside width that is half an inch wider than the size stated is vital to ensuring the accurate fit. Whenever acquiring your extension size, be sure it is equivalent to your fork's width. For example, if you have blades which are 6 inches wide, you would use an extension that is six inches wide.
OSHA Standards
There is safety standards established by OSHA which regulate the length of extension which you could use. According to the guidelines, extensions can not be longer than 50% of the original fork length. Abiding by those rules would help to maintain a safe operation. A yellow powder coat finish is added to the metal lift truck extensions to prevent corrosion. The two most common measurements for forklift extensions in the business are sixty inches and seventy two inches, even though, other lengths are available.
Securing Mechanism
There are two separate securing systems available. The first option connects the extensions onto the lift truck with a single pull pin. The second and safer choice is the safety loop which is welded on and offers a more stable attachment of the extension. The forklift extensions are available either tapered or non-tapered for most pallet and container loads. Triangular extensions are utilized whenever transferring cylinder loads.
Cylinder Loads
Loads which comprise drums, coils or pipes are considered to be cylinder loads. Extensions for cylinder loads are even made of steel. They are designed to fit forks up to 2" thick and that are 4" to 5" in width. Fixed in place with a locking bar, they slide off and on with no trouble. Triangular extensions differ in length from 54" to 60".
Safety Measures
Safety measures must be utilized whenever using any industrial tool or machinery and lift truck extensions are no different. Checking your forklift extensions prior to using them is a really good habit to get into. After placing an extension onto the forklift, the attaching mechanism should be double checked. Physical injury or damage to the load could take place if the extensions were to become unfastened and fall off. Following OSHA regulations would even help to be able to ensure the safety of the one operating it as well as others working nearby.
Click to Download the pdf