A forklift carriage is the steel plate mounted to the inner mast on rollers that the forks and attachments hook onto. As the lift chains and cylinders raise it, the carriage travels up and down the mast, carrying the load. Carriages follow ITA/FEM classes (II, III, IV and V) sized by capacity, bar height and bar spacing, and are matched by class, width and truck model.
Replacement forklift carriages and carriage bars matched by ITA/FEM class, carriage width, bar spacing and truck make-model. ForkliftIQ ships carriage plates factory-direct from verified suppliers, with cross-reference support and a fast parts quote.
What the carriage is & how it works
The carriage is the frame that mounts to the inner mast section on a set of mast rollers and bearings, which let it slide up and down the mast rails. Two horizontal load bars — upper and lower — span the carriage; the forks and other attachments hook over the upper bar and locate at the bottom. When the lift chains and cylinders extend, the carriage and everything on it rises up the mast. Because every load passes through it, the carriage bars, welds and fork hooks are all load-bearing structural components.
Carriage classes (ITA/FEM)
Carriages are standardized by the ITA (Industrial Truck Association) and FEM systems into classes tied broadly to truck capacity and mounting geometry. As an indicative guide, Class II fits roughly 2,200–5,500 lb trucks, Class III covers most 5,500–10,000 lb machines, and Classes IV and V serve heavier units. Each class defines a nominal carriage height between the load bars and a bar profile, so forks and attachments built to a given class share a compatible hook spacing.
| Class | Typical capacity | Nominal bar height |
|---|---|---|
| Class II | ~2,200–5,500 lb | ~16 in (indicative) |
| Class III | ~5,500–10,000 lb | ~20 in (indicative) |
| Class IV | ~10,000–17,500 lb | ~25 in (indicative) |
| Class V | ~17,500–24,000 lb | ~28.7 in (indicative) |
How to identify the right carriage
Start with the ITA/FEM class, then confirm the carriage width (overall bar length), the upper-to-lower bar spacing, the roller pattern and channel size, and the forklift make, model and serial. Class alone sets fork hook spacing but not width or roller fit, so all four matter. If the class isn't stamped, measure between the top and bottom load-bar faces and send us your capacity-plate photo — we'll cross-reference the correct fitment.
Signs of wear & when to replace
Inspect carriages on a regular schedule. Common wear points are bent or grooved load bars, elongated or worn fork hooks that let forks lift off or shift, cracked welds where the bars meet the plate, and worn roller pockets that cause the carriage to rock in the mast. Any crack, heavy deformation or hook wear is a safety concern.
- Bent or grooved upper/lower load bars
- Worn or elongated fork hooks
- Cracked welds at bar-to-plate joints
- Worn roller pockets or side play
Compatibility & sourcing
ForkliftIQ sources carriages and carriage bars factory-direct from verified suppliers, covering electric and IC platforms across Heli, Hangcha, EP, Toyota, UN Forklift and other common fleets. We match by class, width, bar spacing and truck model rather than a single catalog number, so a carriage built for one OEM unit can often be matched to a compatible part. Parts are listed as compatible with named brands; they are aftermarket replacements, not OEM-branded unless stated.
We dropship worldwide on FOB or CIF terms. For exact carriage dimensions, capacities and pricing, request a quote — we confirm fitment before shipping rather than publishing specs we can't guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What carriage class does my forklift use?
Carriage class follows ITA/FEM standards tied to capacity: Class II suits roughly 2,200 to 5,500 lb trucks, Class III covers most 5,500 to 10,000 lb machines, and Classes IV and V serve heavier units. Send us your forklift brand, model and capacity plate photo and we'll confirm the correct class and bar spacing.
Can you match a carriage without a part number?
Yes. Carriages are matched by class, carriage width, upper and lower bar spacing, roller pattern and truck make-model. Give us those measurements or the old carriage's dimensions and we'll cross-reference a compatible replacement.
How do I know when a carriage needs replacing?
Inspect for bent or worn load bars, elongated or worn fork hooks, cracked welds and worn roller pockets. Because the carriage and fork hooks are load-bearing, any crack or heavy wear should be assessed by a qualified technician and the part removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ) for carriages?
MOQ varies by class and whether you need a single replacement or distributor volume. Send your part list in a quote request and we'll confirm available quantities, fitment and pricing before dispatch.
Need this part fast?
Send the class, truck model or a photo — we cross-reference from a verified supplier network and ship worldwide.
Request Parts Quote →Safety note: The carriage, its load bars and fork hooks are load-bearing components. Class capacities and bar heights above are indicative to generic ITA/FEM standards, not certified specifications — always verify against your truck's data plate and OEM documentation, and have any cracked, bent or heavily worn carriage inspected by a qualified technician before returning it to service.
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