Forklift forks—also called tynes, tines, blades, or teeth—are the two horizontal arms at the front of a forklift that support, lift, and carry all loads. Though they appear simple, forks are critical safety components that must be correctly matched to your forklift's carriage class, load weight, and application.
Fork Anatomy: Know the Parts
Blade: The horizontal section that supports the load
Tip: The end of the blade inserted into the pallet
Shank: The vertical section that attaches to the carriage
Heel: The curved intersection of the blade and shank—the highest-stress point
Hook: Attaches the fork to the carriage bars
Locking Pins: Secure the forks to the carriage
Taper: The reduction in thickness from heel to tip
Fork Dimensions: Width × Thickness × Length
Fork dimensions are expressed in the order Thickness × Width × Length. A standard size is 1½″ × 4″ × 42″.
Dimension What It Measures Common Values
Thickness (T) Measured along the shank or heel 1½″, 1¾″, 2″, 2½″
Width (W) Measured across the face of the blade Class II: 4″; Class III/IV: 5–6″
Length (L) From tip to the front face of the heel 1,219mm, 1,829mm, 2,438mm (42″–96″)
Rule of thumb: Forks should extend at least two-thirds the length of the load to ensure stability and safety.
ITA Fork Classes: Match the Carriage
Forks are categorized by ITA (Industrial Truck Association) carriage class, which determines compatibility.
ITA Class Carriage Height Capacity Range
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 determine your class: Measure the carriage height from the top of the top bar to the bottom of the bottom bar. Your forks must match your forklift's carriage class.
Mounting Types: Hook vs. Pin
Type Description Best For
Hook-Type (ITA) Hooks at top and bottom latch onto carriage bars; locked with spring pins Most standard forklifts (Classes I–V)
Pin-Type Attached to a shaft or pin; no standard dimensions—varies by OEM Larger high-capacity forklifts, telehandlers, construction machinery
Hook-type forks are the most widely used standard in industrial environments.
Common Fork Types by Application
Fork Type Best For
Standard Tapered Forks General warehousing, pallet handling, cost-effective
FTP (Fully Tapered) Forks Tightly packed lumber, plywood, carpets; scooping un-palletized materials
Block Forks Handling bricks and concrete blocks
Lumber / Plywood Forks Thin, wide blades for timber loads
Coil Handling Forks Contoured blades for handling metal or paper coils
Drum / Barrel Forks Semi-circular cutouts for lifting drums, barrels, tires
Carpet Poles Single extended poles for lifting heavy carpet rolls
Folding Forks Hinged to fold for tight spaces like elevators
Fork Extensions Slide over existing forks to extend length for longer loads
Spark Retardant Forks Non-sparking materials for hazardous/explosive environments
Stainless Steel Forks Food, beverage, and chemical industries requiring washdown and hygiene
Safety Standards and Inspection
Critical Wear Limit: Forks must be replaced when heel wear exceeds 10% of original thickness. A 10% reduction in thickness equals a 20% reduction in lifting capacity.
Inspection Frequency:
Daily: Visual inspection before each shift
Every 6 months: Thorough inspection by a trained individual
What to Check:
Cracks along the blade and at the heels
Fork angle deviation within 3 degrees (87°–93° between blade and shank)
Uneven fork tines
Any signs of welding or unauthorized modifications
Bent or damaged forks—replace immediately
Forks that show any of these defects must be removed from service immediately.
The Bottom Line
Forklift forks are the most critical load-bearing component on your lift truck. Always match the fork's ITA class to your forklift's carriage, choose the right type and dimensions for your application, and inspect forks daily for wear and damage. The 10% heel wear limit is non-negotiable—exceeding it reduces capacity by 20% and creates a serious safety hazard. Never attempt to repair or modify damaged forks; replace them immediately.