2AB60 60 inch Class 2 Bottom Fork Bar – Weld-In Rail

The PRO-Link 2AB60 is a 60 inch Class 2 bottom fork bar for fabricating wider pallet fork carriages and material-handling attachment frames. Designed for weld-in installation, it provides the engagement surface for the lower hooks on compatible ITA Class 2 forks. The additional rail width can provide more horizontal fork-positioning range than a 47 inch carriage when the finished frame, intended loads, and machine require wider fork spacing.

This lower carriage rail can be used in properly engineered skid steer fork frames, tractor-loader attachments, custom pallet fork builds, and evaluated carriage repairs. It is an individual fabrication component—not a complete attachment, a universal replacement, or a capacity-rated carriage by itself. Correct installation requires compatible forks, a matching upper rail, accurate spacing, suitable frame construction, and an appropriate welding procedure.

Lower-Hook Entry and the 20 Degree Chamfer

An ITA carriage holds each fork at two connection points. The upper hook hangs from the top rail, while the lower hook engages the 2AB60 bottom bar. Fork-position locks normally engage notches along the top rail. The single off-center opening in this lower bar is a clip-entry notch that provides a location for the fork’s lower hook to enter or leave the completed carriage.

The raised portion of the 2AB60 includes an industry-standard 20 degree chamfer. When the bar is oriented and spaced correctly, that profile supports proper seating of a compatible lower hook. The chamfer does not make the bar a direct fit for every frame or every fork described as Class 2. Fabricators still need to compare upper- and lower-hook geometry, rail profiles, lock operation, clearances, and the product drawing with the actual components.

A lower carriage bar does not support the rounded heel where the fork blade meets its upright shank. Reinforced heel support, when present, is part of the fork itself. The 2AB60’s job is to engage the lower hook and work with the upper rail to keep a compatible fork seated against the carriage while allowing side-to-side adjustment when the fork lock is released.

Fabricating with the 60 Inch Class 2 Bottom Fork Bar

Pair the bottom bar with the 2AT60 Class 2 top carriage bar when the project calls for the corresponding 60 inch rail set. The upper bar supports the top hooks and supplies the fork-lock positions. The 2AB60 engages the lower hooks. Both bars must remain properly aligned and parallel after welding so the forks can move across the carriage without binding, rocking, or excessive clearance.

The 60 inch span can be useful when a frame needs greater fork-spacing flexibility for wide pallets, crates, bundled materials, or other appropriately supported loads. That width does not establish or increase lifting capacity. The fabricator must determine the backplate, frame steel, reinforcement, coupler connection, weld size and sequence, rail placement, and completed rating for the intended machine and work.

For a repair, inspect the surrounding carriage for bending, cracking, wear, and alignment problems before installing a new rail. After welding, verify fork installation, hook seating, side-to-side travel, lock engagement, and clearance through the intended range. The completed attachment should receive an appropriate capacity evaluation and marking before entering service. Always follow the lowest applicable rating among the machine, coupler, frame, carriage, and forks.

PRO-Link’s Class 2 and Class 3 carriage-bar guide provides more detail about rail functions, matching pairs, and fabrication checks. Buyers can compare other widths and classes in the fork carriage bar category. The 2AB60 is covered by PRO-Link’s one-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects, subject to the published terms.

Questions & Answers

Is the off-center opening a fork-lock notch?

No. It is a lower clip-entry notch used when installing or removing a compatible fork. Fork-position locks normally engage notches in the top rail.

Does the 2AB60 include the matching top bar?

No. This product is the lower bar only. The matching 2AT60 top carriage bar is sold separately.

Does the 60 inch width increase lifting capacity?

No. It can provide additional horizontal fork-spacing range, but capacity depends on the engineered and rated machine-and-attachment system.