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Forklift Fork Width: Standard Sizes by ITA Class

Published time：

2026-06-27

Author：

Xin Hong Guang

Source：

Xin Hong Guang

Abstract

Forklift fork width varies by ITA carriage class and application. The standard width for Class II forks is 4 inches. For Classes III and IV, typical widths are 5 and 6 inches, respectively.Fork Width by ITA ClassITA Class Typical Fork Width Carriage CapacityClass II 4 inches 2,200 – 5,500 lbsClass III 5 inches 5,500 – 10,998 lbsClass IV 6 inches 11,000 – 17,600 lbsStandard Fork DimensionsFork dimensions are typically expressed as Thickness × Width × Length. A standard fork size, for example, is 1½″ × 4″ × 42″.Example Class II forks:1.25″ × 4″ × 30″ (3,700 lb capacity)1.5″ × 4″ × 60″ (5,500 lb capacity)1.75″ × 4″ × 72″ (6,800 lb capacity)Example Class III forks:1.75″ × 5″ × 48″ (8,200 lb capacity)2″ × 6″ × 120″ (12,600 lb capacity)Example Class IV forks:2″ × 6″ × 42″ (12,600 lb capacity)2.5″ × 6″ × 96″ (21,400 lb capacity)Special ApplicationsSome applications require wider or narrower forks. Telehandlers may use forks that are 4, 5, 6, or even 7 inches wide. Standard pallet forks for li

Forklift fork width varies by ITA carriage class and application. The standard width for Class II forks is 4 inches. For Classes III and IV, typical widths are 5 and 6 inches, respectively.


Fork Width by ITA Class

ITA Class Typical Fork Width Carriage Capacity

Class II 4 inches 2,200 – 5,500 lbs

Class III 5 inches 5,500 – 10,998 lbs

Class IV 6 inches 11,000 – 17,600 lbs

Standard Fork Dimensions

Fork dimensions are typically expressed as Thickness × Width × Length. A standard fork size, for example, is 1½″ × 4″ × 42″.


Example Class II forks:


1.25″ × 4″ × 30″ (3,700 lb capacity)


1.5″ × 4″ × 60″ (5,500 lb capacity)


1.75″ × 4″ × 72″ (6,800 lb capacity)


Example Class III forks:


1.75″ × 5″ × 48″ (8,200 lb capacity)


2″ × 6″ × 120″ (12,600 lb capacity)


Example Class IV forks:


2″ × 6″ × 42″ (12,600 lb capacity)


2.5″ × 6″ × 96″ (21,400 lb capacity)


Special Applications

Some applications require wider or narrower forks. Telehandlers may use forks that are 4, 5, 6, or even 7 inches wide. Standard pallet forks for lighter loads can be as narrow as 3¼ inches.


How to Measure Fork Width

Measure the fork across the face of the blade or heel from side to side. Fork width is the first number in the dimension sequence (e.g., 4″ in 1½″ × 4″ × 42″).


The bottom line: Forklift fork width ranges from 3¼ inches for light-duty pallet forks to 7 inches for heavy-duty telehandler forks. Class II forks are typically 4 inches wide; Class III forks are 5 inches; Class IV forks are 6 inches. Always match fork width to your forklift's ITA carriage class and load requirements.

Keywords：
forklift width of forks
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