Most counterbalance and warehouse forklifts carry their forks on a hook type carriage built to ISO 2328, often called an ITA or FEM carriage. These carriages come in five classes, and the class decides which forks and carriage mounted attachments will fit your truck. Here's how the classes work, how to find yours and why it matters when you order.
Forklift Carriage Classes at a Glance
| Class | Typical truck capacity | Carriage height |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Up to 999kg | About 330mm (13in) |
| Class 2 | 1,000 to 2,500kg | About 407mm (16in) |
| Class 3 | 2,501 to 4,999kg | About 508mm (20in) |
| Class 4 | 5,000 to 8,000kg | About 635mm (25in) |
| Class 5 | 8,001 to 10,999kg | About 728mm (28.7in) |
The class usually follows the truck's capacity, but not always. Two trucks of the same capacity can have different classes, so measure rather than assume.
How to Find Your Carriage Class
- Measure the carriage height. Measure from the top edge of the upper fork bar to the bottom edge of the lower fork bar, and match the figure to the table.
- Check the paperwork. The truck's manual or data sheet usually lists the carriage class, or your forklift dealer can tell you from the serial number.
- Cross-check the data plate. The truck's rated capacity should fall in the range for that class.
Why the Class Matters
Forks
Hook type forks are made for one carriage class. The hooks have to match the carriage's height to seat and lock properly, so tell us your class when you order FEM forklift forks. Bar type and square plate forks use different carriages altogether: see bar type forks and square plate tines.
Carriage Mounted Attachments
Attachments that hang on the carriage in place of the forks are made for a class too, such as the carriage mounted big bag lifter (class 2 or 3), the carriage mounted carpet boom (class 2 or 3 as standard) and the carriage mounted bucket (class 2A). Fork mounted attachments, such as fork extensions, scoops and sweepers, depend on your fork size instead.
Changing or Widening Your Carriage
If your attachments were made for a different class, a forklift adaptor carriage hangs on your carriage and converts class 3 to class 2, or class 4 to class 3. To spread your forks wider than your carriage allows, a forklift false carriage extends it to between 1200mm and 2000mm wide, in classes 2, 3 and 4. Both add weight and move the load forward, so check your truck's capacity with them fitted.
The Class Isn't Your Capacity
The carriage class tells you which forks and attachments fit, not what your truck can lift. Capacity depends on the mast, the lift height, the load centre and any attachment fitted, so always work from the data plate, and ask your forklift dealer for a revised capacity plate when you fit an attachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my forklift has a class 2 or class 3 carriage?
Measure from the top of the upper fork bar to the bottom of the lower bar. About 407mm (16in) is class 2 and about 508mm (20in) is class 3. Your truck's manual or dealer can confirm it.
Can I fit class 3 forks to a class 2 carriage?
No. The hooks are made for a different carriage height, so they won't seat and lock safely. Fit forks made for your carriage class.
Can I use class 2 attachments on a class 3 forklift?
Yes, with a class 3 to class 2 adaptor carriage, as long as your truck's capacity with the adaptor and attachment fitted covers the load.
What's the difference between ITA and FEM carriages?
They're the same hook type system. ITA is the American name and FEM the European one, and both follow ISO 2328.
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