Electric Pallet Truck Dimensions: Fork Length and Width Guide

From “Can It Fit” to “Does It Hold” – Two Key Numbers in Fork Selection

The forks are the only contact surface between an electric pallet truck and the cargo. Choose the wrong fork length or width, and at best the forks won‘t fit into the pallet; at worst the load’s center of gravity shifts and the cargo tips over during transport. For an Electric Pallet Truck, fork dimensions are not a “good enough” parameter – they are a core configuration directly affecting operational safety.

This article focuses on two core dimensions – fork length and fork width – analyzing standard specifications, selection logic, and common misconceptions, using Diding Lift‘s 2T Stand On Pallet Truck Off Road CBDE as an example to illustrate how fork customization matches non-standard working conditions.

1. Fork Length: Determining Pallet Compatibility and Turning Radius

1.1 Standard Fork Lengths

Standard fork lengths on electric pallet trucks are typically 1150mm or 1220mm, fitting the vast majority of standard pallets on the market .

Take the CBDE as an example. Its standard fork length is 1150mm, compatible with standard EUR pallets . This length is an industry-validated “universal solution” – it provides stable pallet support without increasing the turning radius unnecessarily.

1.2 How Fork Length Affects Turning Radius

Fork length directly relates to the equipment’s turning radius and aisle width requirements.

Key Rule: Longer forks → larger turning radius → wider aisles required .

The CBDE has a turning radius of approximately 1.5 meters. Even with standard 1150mm forks, it can operate flexibly in aisles 2.0-2.5 meters wide . This combination achieves a good balance between “pallet compatibility” and “aisle maneuverability.”

1.3 When Custom Fork Length Is Needed

Consider customizable fork length in the following scenarios :

• Non-standard pallets: Pallet dimensions outside standard ranges require corresponding fork length adjustments

• Side-by-side handling: Moving two pallets side by side requires forks extended to 1500mm or more

• Very narrow aisles: Aisles under 2.0m wide require shorter forks to reduce turning radius

• Special long cargo: Pipes, profiles, and other long-dimension cargo require extra-long forks for support

2. Fork Width: Determining Insertion Smoothness and Lateral Stability

2.1 Standard Fork Widths

Fork width is typically divided into single fork width and fork outer width .

Take the CBDE as an example. Its standard fork outer width is 550mm or 685mm (optional), fitting different pallet widths . The 550mm version suits standard EUR pallets, while the 685mm version suits wider pallets or cargo requiring greater lateral stability.

2.2 How Fork Width Affects Stability

Key Rule: Larger fork outer width → larger load surface → better lateral stability, but potentially reduced maneuverability .

Selection Recommendation: If the cargo has a high center of gravity or the pallet is wide, choose the 685mm outer width version for significantly improved transport stability. If aisles are extremely narrow or pallets are standard-sized, the 550mm version is more suitable.

2.3 Fork Thickness Consideration

Fork thickness (typically 50-65mm) affects load capacity and insertion smoothness. Greater thickness provides higher load capacity, but also requires greater clearance for pallet insertion .

For double-face pallets, a thin-fork type (fork tip thickness <20mm) is required for smooth insertion .

3. CBDE‘s Fork Customization Capability

One of the CBDE’s core configurations is customizable fork length & width . This capability means:

• Non-standard pallet adaptation: Fork dimensions customized according to actual pallet drawings

• Aisle width optimization: Reducing turning radius by shortening forks in very narrow aisles

• Special cargo support: Adjusting fork parameters for off-center or irregularly shaped cargo

The CBDE‘s solid structural design with high stability ensures custom forks maintain structural strength under 2-ton heavy loads. Its optional lithium battery upgrade and built-in charger configurations support high-frequency, multi-scenario operations from the power and charging convenience perspectives.

4. Fork Selection Quick Reference

5. Summary

Fork length and width are the most easily oversimplified parameters in electric pallet truck selection, yet they directly affect safety and efficiency. Standard 1150mm length and 550mm outer width fit most standard pallets; non-standard pallets, very narrow aisles, and special cargo require custom forks . The CBDE’s customizable fork length & width capability provides a flexible technical foundation for diverse working conditions, while its solid structural design ensures reliability of custom forks under heavy loads.

For more fork configuration details or customization solutions, please contact Diding Lift. This professional manufacturer has over 12 years of industry experience and a 65,000 m² factory . All products comply with European EN standards and ISO, CE, and EU certifications, and support ODM/OEM customization.

Need fork selection assessment, customization solutions, or equipment pricing? Send an email to sales@didinglift.com – our professional team will provide one-on-one support within 24 hours.

References

1. Diding Lift. (2026). 2T Stand On Pallet Truck Off Road CBDE – Technical Parameters.

2. Diding Lift. (2026). Electric Pallet Truck Fork Types: Standard vs Custom Options.

3. Doosan Industrial Vehicle. (2019). BPSC15E-7 Electric Pallet Truck Datasheet.

4. HAKLIFT. (n.d.). Electric Pallet Truck HAVA1500ELEC Technical Data.