Forklift carriage width is not a single fixed dimension—it varies by ITA class, manufacturer, and application. Unlike carriage height, which determines the ITA class, width is a separate specification that must be matched to your forks, attachments, and load requirements. This guide provides a comprehensive reference for understanding and measuring forklift carriage width.
ITA Carriage Classes – Height Determines Class, Width Varies
The ITA (Industrial Truck Association) classification system defines carriages by height, not width. However, each class is available in multiple widths to accommodate different load sizes and attachment requirements.
ITA Class Carriage Height Typical Capacity Range Common Widths (Examples)
Class II 16 inches (406 mm) 2,200 – 5,500 lbs 30" – 50" (762 – 1,270 mm)
Class III 20 inches (508 mm) 5,500 – 10,998 lbs 36" – 60" (914 – 1,524 mm)
Class IV 25 inches (635 mm) 11,000 – 17,600 lbs 48" – 78" (1,219 – 1,981 mm)
Class V 28.66 – 29 inches (728 – 737 mm) 17,602 – 24,198 lbs Varies by manufacturer
Common Carriage Widths by Application
Standard Warehouse Forklifts (Class II – III)
Width (inches) Width (mm) Typical Application
30" 762 mm Compact, narrow-aisle forklifts
32" – 34" 813 – 864 mm Light-duty warehouse operations
36" – 38" 914 – 965 mm Standard 3,000–5,000 lb forklifts
40" – 42" 1,016 – 1,067 mm Common Class II width
44" – 48" 1,118 – 1,219 mm Wide carriage for larger loads
49.5" – 50" 1,260 – 1,270 mm Class III wide carriage
Heavy-Duty and Telehandler Carriages (Class IV – V)
Width (inches) Width (mm) Typical Application
48" 1,219 mm Class IV standard width
60" – 68" 1,524 – 1,727 mm Heavy-duty industrial, steel handling
72" 1,829 mm Telehandler standard width
78" 1,981 mm Class IV wide carriage
48", 60", 72" 1,219, 1,524, 1,829 mm Telehandler quick-attach carriages
Telehandler Carriage Widths
Telehandlers use a different carriage standard, typically available in 48-inch, 60-inch, and 72-inch widths. These carriages connect via a hook-and-pin system for quick attachment changes.
How to Determine Your Forklift Carriage Width
Measure the load apron or carriage face – Measure the distance between the outer edges of the carriage bars (the mounting surface for forks and attachments).
Check the forklift data plate – The data plate provides the forklift's rated capacity and may indicate carriage class, but width is typically not listed. You must measure directly.
Verify attachment compatibility – Attachments (side shifters, fork positioners, scales) are available in specific widths. Measure your carriage width and match it to the attachment's "usable ITA profile width".
Consider fork spread – The carriage width must accommodate your maximum fork spread. A wider carriage allows greater fork adjustment.
Carriage Width vs. Fork Width – Key Distinction
Component What It Measures Typical Range
Carriage Width Distance between outer edges of carriage bars 30" – 78" (762 – 1,981 mm)
Fork Width Thickness of each fork blade 4" – 5" (102 – 127 mm) for Class II–III
These are separate measurements. A carriage can be 48 inches wide while the forks themselves are only 4 inches thick.
Specialized Carriage Widths
Long goods carriages – Extend beyond the truck's load bed opening for handling goods over 3 meters in length
Telescopic carriages – Can be widened to the sides for excessively large loads
Widespread carriages – Provide added stability for lifting larger loads
Fork positioner carriages – Allow hydraulic adjustment of fork spread; width must accommodate the full adjustment range
Summary
Forklift carriage width ranges from 30 inches (762 mm) for compact Class II carriages to 78 inches (1,981 mm) for wide Class IV carriages. Class II carriages typically range from 30"–50" (762–1,270 mm), Class III from 36"–60" (914–1,524 mm), and Class IV from 48"–78" (1,219–1,981 mm). Telehandler carriages are commonly available in 48", 60", and 72" widths. Carriage width must be measured directly—it is not determined by ITA class alone. When selecting forks or attachments, match the carriage width to the attachment's "usable ITA profile width".