Fork Extension User Guide
BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT, read this guide completely. Users of this product must comply with all applicable
laws and regulations relating to the operation of forklift trucks, attachments and specifically fork extensions.
Forklift operators must be properly trained, certified and licensed in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.178(I)(3)(i)(G).
• Fork Extensions must not exceed 150% of fork length.
• DO NOT load extension at tips. Loads must be uniformly distributed over the length of the extensions.
• DO NOT use fork extensions to chisel under loads.
• DO NOT use fork extensions to push loads sideways using the tips.
• DO NOT suspend chains, cables slings or other lifting devices from fork extensions.
• DO NOT use forward tilt if load is raised or is forward on fork extensions.
• DO NOT stand or walk under forks or a load. Falling forks or objects can cause injury or death.
Always use supports or blocks to prevent forks and carriage from falling.
• DO NOT stand or ride on forks, fork extensions or pallets. STAY OFF all load carrying devices.
Lifting personnel requires use of a properly designed work platform as per OSHA 1910.178 and ASME B56.1.
Retain this document for future reference.
HOW TO INSTALL FORK EXTENSIONS:
• Raise forks approximately 4-6 inches off ground.
• Slide fork extension heel loop over the fork tip. Open side of extension is toward the fork.
• Slide heel loop behind the bend of the fork and lower the extension onto the fork.
• Check that the heel loop has engaged the fork by pulling forward on the extension.
• Check that the distance of extension is not more than 50% of fork length.
• Check to see that the extension lies flat on the fork blade.
DO NOT USE IF:
• The extension is greater than 50% longer than the fork.
• The heel loop is not fully engaged with the fork heel.
• The heel loop is bent or damaged or welds are cracked or broken.
• The extension is warped or twisted or shows signs of stress or fatigue such as buckled or dented sides.
• The extensions are not level at the tips. Extensions may be bent or the forks may be uneven, requiring replacement.
CAPACITY RATING OF FORK EXTENSIONS:
• Fork Extensions must not exceed 150% of fork length.
• ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009 (Sec. 7.39.4) “Extension shall be clearly stamped with its individual load rating and supporting fork size…”
• Capacity and recommended fork size. Stamping shall state individual extension load rating at rated load center of the extension
(ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009 (Sec. 7.39.3) and recommended supporting fork size and minimum fork length. The extension rated
load center will always be within the length of the supporting fork.
The following chart shows the recommended fork thickness and width for each extension size and the load rating of each
individual extension of that size:
Width Thickness Load Rating
4” (104 mm) 1.75” (45 mm) 2,750 lbs (1250 kg)
5” (127 mm) 2.00” (50 mm) 5,000 lbs (2,270 kg)
6” (152 mm) 2.50” (65 mm) 8,750 lbs (3,975 kg)
Example of rated capacity stamping for a 4” wide fork extension 60” long (FE112-60): Metric: 1250/765-45 x 104 x 1070.
Imperial: 2750/30-1.75 x 4 x 42. Meaning (Imperial): Fork extension capacity 2,750 lb at 30” load center, recommended fork
1.75” thick x 4” wide minimum length 42”. The addition of any attachment to a forklift requires the remarking of the truck in
accordance with 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(5).
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