Carriagebars.com
Heavy-Duty Pallet Fork Carriage Bars
Built to Perform
Key Features & Specifications
Upgrade or replace your forklift carriage bars with our durable, standard-sized components.
Material
Hot Rolled Grade 50 Steel (70 KSI Min. Tensile Strength)
Standard
Manufactured to Industrial Truck Association (ITA) specifications.
Availability
Standard sizes & custom specifications available.
Compatibility
Designed for standard ITA carriages (Class 2, 3 & 4).
Top Bar Notching
Standard 4-inch center-to-center spacing.
Bottom Bar Notching
Industry standard center notch.
How to Identify and Measure Your Forklift Carriage
Ordering the correct carriage bar starts with identifying your forklift's ITA Class. The class is determined by the height of the carriage, which dictates its strength and lifting capacity. Follow these simple steps to ensure you select the right component for your equipment.
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1. Measure Your Carriage Height
To find your carriage height, use a tape measure to determine the vertical distance between the two carriage bars. For an accurate measurement, measure from the top edge of the upper bar to the top edge of the lower bar.
2. Match Height to ITA Class & Capacity
Once you have the height, use the chart below to find its corresponding ITA Class and typical load capacity. A taller carriage is built to handle heavier loads.
3. Always Verify with Your Forklift’s Data Plate
While the carriage height is a reliable guide, your forklift's data plate is the single source of truth for its specifications and limitations. Always cross-reference your findings with the data plate to confirm the machine's exact load capacity before ordering parts or performing a lift.
A Foundation for Your Forklift's Key Components
The forklift carriage serves as the central mounting point that integrates the mast, forks, and load backrest into a functional system.
- Forks: The carriage provides the strong, stable mounting surface for the forks, allowing for secure attachment and horizontal adjustment along the notched bars.
- Mast: The carriage is mounted to the mast’s vertical rails, enabling it to move loads up and down the mast channel smoothly and securely.
- Load Backrest: This critical safety feature attaches directly to the forklift carriage, preventing materials from shifting backward toward the operator during lifting and transport.
Critical Safety Note: The lifting capacity of your forklift is limited by its weakest component. Always check the rated capacity of both the carriage and the forks. Your maximum safe load is determined by the lower of these two ratings.
| ITA Class | Carriage Height | Typical Load Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 13" | up to 2,200 lbs |
| Class 2 | 16" | 2,200 – 5,500 lbs |
| Class 3 | 20" | 5,500 – 10,998 lbs |
| Class 4 | 25" | 11,000 – 17,600 lbs |
| Class 5 | 28.66" | 17,602 – 24,198 lbs |
Sizing & Availability
Standard Sizes & Custom Options
We offer carriage bars in the most common industry standard sizes.
If you require non-standard lengths, specific notch placements, or other modifications, we also provide custom manufacturing to your exact specifications.
| Row Number | Stock Item | Class | Part Number | Top | Bottom Bar | Thickness in. | Height in. | Width in. | Weight lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No | Class 2 | 2T-.5-3-45 | Top Bar | .5" | 3" | 45" | 19 |
| 2 | No | Class 2 | 2B-.5-3-45 | Bottom Bar | .5" | 3" | 45" | 19 |
| 3 | No | Class 2 | 2T-.5-3-48 | Top Bar | .5" | 3" | 48" | 20 |
| 4 | No | Class 2 | 2B-.5-3-48 | Bottom Bar | .5" | 3" | 48" | 20 |
| 5 | No | Class 2 | 2T-.5-3-60 | Top Bar | .5" | 3" | 60" | 25 |
| 6 | No | Class 2 | 2B-.5-3-60 | Bottom Bar | .5" | 3" | 60" | 25 |
| 7 | Yes | Class 2 | 2T-1-3-45 | Top Bar | 1" | 3" | 45" | 38 |
| 8 | Yes | Class 2 | 2B-1-3-45 | Bottom Bar | 1" | 3" | 45" | 38 |
| 9 | Yes | Class 2 | 2T-1-3-48 | Top Bar | 1" | 3" | 48" | 40 |
| 10 | Yes | Class 2 | 2B-1-3-48 | Bottom Bar | 1" | 3" | 48" | 40 |
| 11 | Yes | Class 2 | 2T-1-3-60 | Top Bar | 1" | 3" | 60" | 51 |
| 12 | Yes | Class 2 | 2B-1-3-60 | Bottom Bar | 1" | 3" | 60" | 51 |
| 13 | Yes | Class 2 | 2T-1.25-3-45 | Top Bar | 1.25" | 3" | 45" | 48 |
| 14 | Yes | Class 2 | 2B-1.25-3-45 | Bottom Bar | 1.25" | 3" | 45" | 48 |
| 15 | Yes | Class 2 | 2T-1.25-3-48 | Top Bar | 1.25" | 3" | 48" | 51 |
| 16 | Yes | Class 2 | 2B-1.25-3-48 | Bottom Bar | 1.25" | 3" | 48" | 51 |
| 17 | Yes | Class 2 | 2T-1.25-3-60 | Top Bar | 1.25" | 3" | 60" | 63 |
| 18 | Yes | Class 2 | 2B-1.25-3-60 | Bottom Bar | 1.25" | 3" | 60" | 63 |
| 19 | No | Class 3 | 3T-1.5-4-48 | Top Bar | 1.5" | 4" | 48" | 81 |
| 20 | No | Class 3 | 3B-1.5-4-48 | Bottom Bar | 1.5" | 4" | 48" | 81 |
| 21 | No | Class 3 | 3T-1.5-4-60 | Top Bar | 1.5" | 4" | 60" | 102 |
| 22 | No | Class 3 | 3B-1.5-4-60 | Bottom Bar | 1.5" | 4" | 60" | 102 |
| 23 | No | Class 3 | 3T-1.5-6-48 | Top Bar | 1.5" | 6" | 48" | 122 |
| 24 | No | Class 3 | 3B-1.5-6-48 | Bottom Bar | 1.5" | 6" | 48" | 122 |
| 25 | No | Class 3 | 3T-1.5-6-60 | Top Bar | 1.5" | 6" | 60" | 153 |
| 26 | No | Class 3 | 3B-1.5-6-60 | Bottom Bar | 1.5" | 6" | 60" | 153 |
| 27 | No | Class 3 | 3T-2-4-48 | Top Bar | 2" | 4" | 48" | 108 |
| 28 | No | Class 3 | 3B-2-4-48 | Bottom Bar | 2" | 4" | 48" | 108 |
| 29 | No | Class 4 | 4T-2-4-48 | Top Bar | 2" | 4" | 48" | 108 |
| 30 | No | Class 4 | 4B-2-4-48 | Bottom Bar | 2" | 4" | 48" | 108 |
| 31 | No | Class 4 | 4T-2-4-60 | Top Bar | 2" | 4" | 60" | 136 |
| 32 | No | Class 4 | 4B-2-4-60 | Bottom Bar | 2" | 4" | 60" | 136 |
| 33 | No | Class 4 | 4T-2-6-48 | Top Bar | 2" | 6" | 48" | 163 |
| 34 | No | Class 4 | 4B-2-6-48 | Bottom Bar | 2" | 6" | 48" | 163 |
| 35 | No | Class 4 | 4T-2-6-60 | Top Bar | 2" | 6" | 60" | 204 |
| 36 | No | Class 4 | 4B-2-6-60 | Bottom Bar | 2" | 6" | 60" | 204 |
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find the answers you are looking for, please contact us
Contact usWhat are standard sizes and pricing?
Our common pre-priced standard sizes are:
- 1″ x 3″ x 48″ Top or Bottom Bar – $86 each
- 1 1/4″ x 3″ x 60″ Top or Bottom Bar – $118 each
- Volume pricing is available starting at 10 pieces.
What class of profile is standard?
- Our Class 2 profile is standard, typically supporting up to a 5,500 lb capacity.
- We can custom manufacture Class 3 (approx. 11,000 lb capacity) and Class 4 (approx. 22,000 lb capacity) profiles.
What grade of steel is used?
We use Grade 50 Hot Rolled Steel with a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 PSI.
What is the difference between Top and Bottom Bars?
- Top bars have fork spacing notches, typically 4 inches apart, allowing for adjustment of fork positioning.
- Bottom bars feature a single wide center notch, designed for easier fork removal and secure engagement.
Can I cut a 48" bar to 44"?
Yes, bars can be cut to any length you require. Please specify the exact length when ordering custom bars.
How do I order a custom size?
To order a custom size, please provide us with the desired width, height, length, and ITA class of the bar.
Also, let us know if you need a Top or Bottom Bar and the quantity. We will then provide you with a quote.
How do you ship and what are the costs?
For 3 bars or less, we typically ship via UPS. If possible, we can use your customer account.
- Estimated UPS cost per bar: $45 for a 48″ bar, $60 for a 60″ bar. (Note: A pair of 48″ bars might be $75-$90).
For 4 or more bars, we ship via truck freight.
- Truck freight costs typically start at $200+ depending on the quantity and destination.
Please note: Shipping costs are estimates and can vary. We will provide a specific shipping quote with your order.
How do I pay for Carriage Bars?
We will send you an invoice for your order. Payment can be made by sending a check by mail.