Forklift fork extensions

Forklift fork extensions are useful for extending your reach on your forklift truck.  When purchasing extension forks, verify that they meet current ANSI and OSHA safety standards.  You should only purchase units which come with welded on safety hook and tapered extension points.  The safety hook keeps your hooks from accidentally coming off your forklift when you are moving pallets around the warehouse.  Certain forklift extensions use safety pins to hold them in place, instead of safety hooks.  These locking mechanisms are not as effective and should be avoided.

Use extreme care when using extension on your forklift, as your center of gravity will dramatically change.  Forklift rollover accidents are extremely dangerous and can result in loss of life and property damage.  Be sure never to use forklift extensions which are more than 50% longer than your original fork length. If you use longer forks, you risk damaging your forklift truck.  Bending your fork tines can increase the chances for product damage as you shift pallet loads.

For every 1” you extend out your forks you should reduce the maximum load by approximately 175 lbs. This is extremely important to help prevent accidents and damage. Check with your forklift manufacturer (Toyota Material Handling USA, Clark, Yale, Hyster, Crown, Big Joe, etc) to make sure that using forklift extensions will not void warranty on your machine. This is extremely important if your forklift machine is still under the original warranty. Certain manufactures also make their own OEM forklift accessories such as Clark, and Crown Forklift Co.

You can purchase forklift extensions online if you do not have a nearby forklift dealer.  You can buy various forklift accessories to increase the functionality of your current machine.  Forklift parts can be purchased through various online dealers.  They can be shipped UPS ground or through a trucking company as well.  Make sure that you have the model and serial number information available for your forklift so that appropriately sized extensions can be purchased. 

Forklift extensions come in various widths and lengths, depending on your exact forklift model.  Use extreme caution when you are lifting loads off the ground while using extensions.  Never physically stand on forklift tines, as you can be physically hurt if you accidentally fall off. 

Using a forklift drive in rack can be a great way to store your extensions when they are not being used.  These devices allow you to quickly install and remove forks without having to get out of your forklift truck.