Choosing the Right Fork Rails for Your Forklift: A Guide from ALL Pro Forks
Forklift Top Rails
When it comes to forklifts, having the correct forks is paramount, but the fork rails that hold them in place are just as important. Choosing the right fork rail ensures your forklift operates safely, efficiently, and within capacity limits. At ALL Pro Forks, we provide a range of fork rails designed for different forklift classes, load capacities, and work environments.
This guide explains the types of fork rails we offer, how classes are determined, and how you can choose the right fork rails for your equipment.
What Are Fork Rails?
Fork rails, also called fork bars, are the horizontal bars that forks hook onto, typically in a top-and-bottom bar system. They’re built according to Industrial Truck Association (ITA) regulations with standard spacing, bar thickness, and load ratings for each forklift class.
The notched top bar secures the forks in place, while the bottom bar provides additional support. Since ITA forks are class-specific, a specific fork rail is only compatible with forks designed for that same class.
Fork Rail Classes Offered by ALL Pro Forks
ALL Pro Forks manufactures durable, high quality fork rails for Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 forklifts, each designed for specific lifting applications.
Class 2 Fork Rails
- Load Capacity: Up to 5,500 lbs
- Typical Use: Mid-size forklifts in warehousing, retail, and light manufacturing
- Spacing: 16” between clips on the back of the fork
- Products:
- Top Rail, 47”, Class 2, (2AT47)
- Forklift Top Rail, 60″, Class 2, Notched, (2AT60)
- Pallet Fork Upper Bar, 47″, Class 2, (2AT47)
- Lower bar, 47″, Class 2, (2AB47)
Class 3 Fork Rails
- Load Capacity: Up to 11,000 lbs
- Typical Use: Heavy-duty applications such as shipping yards, steel distribution, and construction sites
- Spacing: 20” between clips on the back of the fork
- Products:
- Forklift Top Rail, 47″, Class 3 (3AT47)
- Forklift Bottom Rail, 47″, Class 3 (3AB47)
- Forklift Top Rail, 72″, Class 3 (3AT72)
- Forklift Bottom Rail, 72″, Class 3 (3AB72)
Class 4 Fork Rails
- Load Capacity: Greater than Class 3
- Typical Use: High-capacity forklifts moving extremely heavy or oversized loads
- Spacing: 25” between the top of the upper carriage bar ot the bottom of the lower carriage bar
- Products:
- Forklift Top Rail, 72″, Class 4 (4AT72)
- Forklift Bottom Rail, 72″, Class 4 (4AB72)
4 Factors That Impact Which Fork Rail You Need
If you’re unsure which fork rails to choose, here are four key points you can use to guide your decision:
1. Forklift Class: Fork rails are class-specific and won’t work outside their rating.
2. Fork Spacing: ITA standards dictate clip spacing, specific to each Class type:
- Class 2: 16” spacing
- Class 3: 20” spacing
- Class 4: 25” spacing
3. Load Capacity: Match the fork rail’s load rating to the work you’re performing. Overloading can damage the forklift and compromise the safety of operators.
4. Bar Type:
- Top bars have notches that lock the forks in place.
- Bottom bars are smooth and provide support.
The experienced team at ALL Pro Forks will work with you to understand your current equipment setup to confirm the correct fork rail part for your forklift. In most cases, sizing is standard across ITA classes. However, ALL Pro Forks understands that unique applications may require modifications, and we have the capability to design and manufacture custom fork rails to your exact specifications.
Fork rails may not be the most visible part of your forklift, but they’re essential to its safety and performance. By choosing the right class and size, you’ll keep your equipment running smoothly and extend its service life.
FAQ’s
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How thick and wide are the bars?
Bar dimensions vary by class type, with larger classes using thicker, heavier rails.
How much do the top and bottom fork rails weigh?
Top and bottom fork rails will vary by size and specific class type.
What are the distances of top fork rails and bottom rails?
The ITA standardizes distances for top and bottom fork rails for each class type, so a Class 2 top fork rail distance will always be different than a Class 3 top fork rail distance. Our team can work with you to understand the type of forklift equipment you have, ensuring you select the correct fork rail.
Ready to purchase new fork rails for your equipment?
Contact us today for more information!