Description
Class 2 Fork Specifications
| Specification | Standard | Heavy-Duty Option |
|---|---|---|
| Carriage Class | ITA Class 2 | ITA Class 2 |
| Mounting Height | 16-20 inches (406-508 mm) | 16-20 inches |
| Fork Cross Section (H×W) | 1.5 × 4 inch (40 × 100 mm) | 1.5 × 5 inch (40 × 125 mm) |
| Capacity Per Pair | 4,500 lb (2,040 kg) | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) |
| Fork Lengths Available | 36″, 42″, 48″, 60″, 72″ | 42″, 48″, 60″, 72″ |
| Carriage Width | 42 inch (1067 mm) standard | 42 inch |
| Material | 4142 Alloy Steel — Drop Forged | 4142 Alloy Steel — Drop Forged |
| Heat Treatment | Full-length induction hardened | Full-length induction hardened |
| Surface Hardness | 38-42 HRC | 38-42 HRC |
| Core Hardness | 26-30 HRC | 26-30 HRC |
| Safety Factor | 3:1 (load tested) | 3:1 (load tested) |
| Finish | Orange or black powder coat | Orange or black powder coat |
Class 1 Fork Specifications — Light Duty
| Specification | Standard |
|---|---|
| Carriage Class | ITA Class 1 |
| Mounting Height | 12-16 inches (305-406 mm) |
| Fork Cross Section (H×W) | 1.25 × 4 inch (32 × 100 mm) |
| Capacity Per Pair | 2,500 lb (1,134 kg) |
| Fork Lengths Available | 36″, 42″, 48″ |
| Material | 4142 Alloy Steel — Drop Forged |
| Heat Treatment | Full-length induction hardened |
| Safety Factor | 3:1 (load tested) |
Fork Length Guide — Class 2
| Length | Best For |
|---|---|
| 36 inch | Single pallet, tight aisle maneuverability, walkie rider forklifts |
| 42 inch | Standard single pallet — most commonly ordered Class 2 length |
| 48 inch | Pallet overhang, slightly oversized loads |
| 60 inch | Double pallet handling, longer loads — check turning radius |
| 72 inch | Lumber, pipe, long crates — verify Class 2 capacity at extended load center |
Where Class 2 Forks Are Used
Class 2 forks are the default for indoor material handling. Typical applications:
- Warehouse and distribution centers — standard pallet handling, order picking
- Loading docks — truck and container loading/unloading
- Retail back rooms — smaller forklifts in tight spaces
- Cold storage and refrigerated warehouses — standard Class 2 is compatible with cold-rated forklifts
- Manufacturing floor — moving raw materials and finished goods within the plant
- Class 1 applications (smaller scale) — light manufacturing, small warehouses, narrow aisle operations
Class 2 vs Class 3 — Which Fork Do You Need?
This is the most common fork class question we get. The answer is determined by your forklift’s carriage, not your preference.
| Factor | Class 2 Fork | Class 3 Fork |
|---|---|---|
| Forklift capacity | Up to 5,000 lb | 5,000 – 8,000 lb |
| Mounting height | 16-20 inches | 20-25 inches |
| Shank thickness | 1.5 inch | 1.75-2.0 inch |
| Fork weight (48″) per pair | ~120 lb | ~170 lb |
| Best environment | Indoor warehouse | Outdoor / yard / heavy duty |
If your forklift has a Class 2 carriage, use Class 2 forks. Installing Class 3 forks on a Class 2 carriage won’t fit — the hooks are too large for the mounting opening.
If your forklift has a Class 3 carriage, use Class 3 forks. Class 2 forks on a Class 3 carriage can disengage under load because the hooks are undersized for the carriage opening.Not sure? Measure the vertical opening between the top and bottom carriage bars. 16-20 inches = Class 2. 20-25 inches = Class 3.
For a detailed breakdown of fork construction, heat treatment, and quality benchmarks — including the difference between drop-forged and flame-cut forks — see our Class 3 Forklift Forks – Hebei Maoxiang Technology Co., Ltd. . The same manufacturing standards apply to Class 2 forks.
Inspection Threshold — When to Replace Class 2 Forks
Per OSHA and ANSI/ITSDF B56.1 standards, replace forklift forks when:
- Heel wear exceeds 10% of original shank thickness (most common reason)
- Any heel crack detected — immediate replacement required
- Blade bend exceeds 0.5% of fork length
- Tip wear reduces fork length by more than 10%
- Visible heat damage or surface cracks
For a standard Class 2 fork with 1.5 inch shank thickness: replace when heel thickness drops below 1.35 inches.
For a full explanation of the 10% wear rule, inspection methods, and measurement points, see the inspection guide on our Class 3 Forklift Forks – Hebei Maoxiang Technology Co., Ltd. . The same standards and methods apply to Class 2.
Compatibility Check — How to Measure
Before ordering Class 2 forks, confirm three measurements on your current forklift:
1. Carriage mounting height Measure from the top of the upper carriage bar to the top of the lower carriage bar. Should be 16-20 inches for Class 2.
2. Carriage width Measure the horizontal distance between the inside edges of the carriage side brackets. Standard Class 2 width is 42 inches.
3. Existing fork shank thickness Measure the thickest part of your current fork at the shank. 1.5 inches = standard Class 2.
Why Buy Class 2 Forklift Forks from Hebei Maoxiang?
Drop forged 4142 alloy steel — not flame cut from plate. Every fork is drop-forged for continuous grain flow through the heel, then induction hardened the full blade length.
Load tested — every pair is tested to 3:1 safety factor before shipment. Test certificate available.
CE certified — complies with EN 1757-3 and ISO 2328.
Factory direct pricing — no distributor markup. We manufacture the forks and the forklifts in the same facility.
Custom lengths and coatings available — specify your requirement.
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