Forklift forks—also called tines, blades, or tynes—are the load-bearing components on the front of the forklift. They are not one-size-fits-all; selecting the correct forks requires matching the ITA class, dimensions, and capacity to your specific forklift and application.
ITA Fork Classes – The Foundation of Compatibility
Forks are categorized by ITA (Industrial Truck Association) carriage class, which corresponds to the height between the top and bottom bars of the forklift‘s carriage. Your forks must match your forklift‘s carriage class.
Class Carriage Height Rated Forklift Capacity (at 24″ load center)
Class I 13″ Up to 1,999 lbs
Class II 16″ 2,000 – 5,500 lbs
Class III 20″ 6,000 – 10,000 lbs
Class IV 25″ 10,000 – 17,500 lbs
Class V 28.67″ 17,500 – 24,000 lbs
To identify your class, measure the distance from the top of the top carriage bar to the bottom of the bottom carriage bar.
Fork Dimensions – Thickness × Width × Length
Fork dimensions are expressed in the order: Thickness × Width × Length.
Dimension Description Common Sizes
Thickness Measured along the heel or shank 1½″, 1¾″, 2″, 2½″
Width Measured across the face of the blade Class II: 4″; Class III–IV: 5–6″
Length Measured from tip to the front face of the heel 36″, 42″, 48″, 54″, 60″, 72″
Rule of thumb: Forks should extend at least two-thirds the length of the load to ensure stability and safety.
Hook-Type (ITA) vs. Pin-Type Forks
Type Description
Hook-Type (ITA) Most common standard. Hooks at top and bottom latch onto carriage bars. Interchangeable between forklifts of the same carriage class. Also called “clip-on” forks. Two subtypes: Type “A” (primarily indoor) and Type “B” (primarily outdoor, with greater ground clearance).
Pin-Type No standard shape or size. Varies by OEM and truck model. Requires precise dimensional data (tube location, offset/inset) for replacement.
Specialized Fork Types
Type Application
Standard Tapered Forks Most common; wider base tapering toward the tip
Block / Brick Forks Narrow forks used in multiples to handle concrete blocks
Lumber / Plywood Forks Full-tapered and polished for lumber handling
Gypsum Forks Padded blades for delicate handling of wallboard
Carpet / Coil Forks Contoured blades for handling rolls
2026 Pricing Examples
Product Specs Price Source
Atlas 42-5000 Forklift Forks 5,000 lb capacity, 42″ length, 1¾″×4″, Class II $839.99 (pair) Northern Tool
Horst HD09-FORKS 900 lb capacity, Class II hook-type Price on request Machinio
Horst HD12NF 1,200 lb capacity, Class II hook-type Price on request Machinio
Vetter 12t Forks 12,000 kg capacity, 2,400 mm length, 200×70 mm Price on request Machinio
FEM4B Pallet Fork 150×60×1200 mm, unused pair €500 (without VAT) Machineryline
Used 42″ Fork Pair Yale GLC040, 42″ forks only $400 Vander Haag‘s
Used Carriage + Forks Cat VC60D, 42″ forks, top bent $484 Vander Haag's
Where to Buy Forklift Forks
Channel Examples
Online Marketplaces Machinio, Machineryline, Northern Tool
Specialty Fork Suppliers Fork-Co (ITA Class 2, 3, 4 forks); Intella Parts (Class 3–4 forks); Solid Lift Parts
New/Used Equipment Dealers Vander Haag's (new/used forks); Cat Used; Arnold Machinery
B2B Platforms Made-in-China (custom forks up to 450×180mm cross-section, 6,000mm length)
Buying Considerations
Match the ITA class – Measure your carriage height or check your forklift‘s data plate. Using the wrong class means forks won‘t fit.
Verify capacity – Fork capacity must meet or exceed your maximum load weight. Never exceed rated capacity.
Confirm dimensions – Thickness, width, and length must suit your loads and pallets.
Check hook type – Type “A” vs. “B” affects ground clearance. Type “B” forks can replace Type “A”, but not vice versa.
New vs. used – Used forks offer significant savings ($400–$500 for pairs) but inspect for bends, cracks, or excessive wear.
Pin-type compatibility – If your forklift uses pin-type forks, provide precise measurements (tube location, offset/inset) to the supplier.
Summary
Forklift forks are available in five ITA classes (I–V) based on carriage height and capacity. Standard dimensions are expressed as thickness × width × length (e.g., 1¾″ × 4″ × 42″). Hook-type (ITA) forks are the most common and interchangeable within the same class; pin-type forks vary by OEM and require precise measurements. 2026 pricing ranges from approximately $400 for used 42″ pairs** to **$840 for new 5,000 lb capacity Class II forks, with custom sizes available from Chinese suppliers. When purchasing, always match the ITA class, verify capacity, and confirm hook type and dimensions.