At HL Training, we are pleased to offer extensive reach truck forklift training to ensure your team is efficiently trained with the latest safety compliances. From basic introductory training to refresher courses for experienced reach truck operators, find information and details on our reach truck course here. Alternatively, take a look at the full range of forklift operator training we offer.

What Is a Reach Truck Forklift?

Reach truck forklifts are the most common type of warehousing forklift within the UK. This truck type has been split into three categories, up to 8m lift, above 8m lift and pedestrian operated. The name derives from the simple fact the truck reaches into an aisle, meaning it can be used within much more narrow working aisles. This, in turn, increased the amount of space and racking that can be fitted and utilised.

This becomes the main benefit of reach trucks, whereby most racking and therefore more pick locations can be within the warehouse due to the narrowed aisles. In addition to this, Reach Trucks are generally more compact trucks. They typically reach a lot higher than a standard counterbalance forklift as the mast is bigger, reaching over 8m for D2 category trucks

Types of Multi-Directional Reach Truck Forklifts

D1 Rider Operated Reach Truck, up to 8-meter lift
D2 Rider Operated Reach Truck, above an 8-meter lift
D3 & A7 Pedestrian Operated Reach Truck

In September 2017, and subsequently, in September 2018, new testing standards were released for reach trucks. This introduced more strict measures for testing criteria within all three testing elements, the practical test, pre-use check test and theory test.

Course Timings

The following course timings are based on 3 : 1 candidates : instructor ratio. Please note that the timings for your course may vary.

Novice: The training course takes five days to complete for those new to reach truck forklift operations.
Experienced/Existing Operator: Experienced forklift operators will typically complete the reach truck training in three days.
Conversion (from alternative type forklift): Conversion training from an alternate type of forklift takes two days to complete. However, this is down to the instructors’ discretion. Further training may be recommended if the candidates do not reach the required standard.
Refresher Training: Refresher reach truck operator training can be completed successfully in one day.

What does this course entail?

Reach truck forklift training is a comprehensive course covering all of the most important details and aspects that learners should know to be efficient operators. The course covers, but is not limited to, the following:

Regulations/legislation including LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998 and HASAWA 1974
Introduction to truck
Capacity plates
Stability
Working within racking
Maneuvering in narrow aisles

All delegates will need to pass a theoretical and practical test and a pre-use check test to pass reach truck operator training. All three must be passed to complete the course.

What will a candidate receive upon successful completion of a basic operators course?

Certification: Upon successful completion of training, you will receive a certificate, accredited by your chosen accrediting body (ITSSAR, RTITB or AITT). Check out our accreditation page for more information.

Photo ID Cards: These are also available, although depending on your chosen accreditation, they may be added to the cost quoted.

Available Course Dates

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Get Started Today

If you’re ready to get started with reach truck operator training, contact our expert team at HL Training to find out more. Our friendly team can help you with any advice and guidance on our reach truck course not already covered here.

Alternatively, if reach truck forklift training is not the right option for your team, don’t hesitate to explore our wider range of training courses available. Plus, you can learn more about us and why you should choose HL Training for your course needs today.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still unsure, look for the answers to your queries in our most frequently asked questions.

Do I need a forklift license to operate a reach truck?

You do not need a forklift license to operate a reach truck, as these simply do not exist. There is no such thing as a forklift license. Instead, you need relevant forklift operators’ training and subsequent certification to be able to safely and legally operator forklift machinery.

Sometimes, and ID card is offered alongside the basic certification, which can sometimes be mistaken for a ‘forklift license’.

What is the difference between a reach truck and a counterbalance forklift?

Counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks are two common pieces of equipment in warehouses and other sites, and they share similarities in usage. However, each vehicle has its distinct features that should be considered. The key difference is that counterbalance forklifts can carry more weight but reach trucks can lift weight higher and in narrower aisles, maximising space in the warehouse. Counterbalance forklifts have a forward-facing cab, whereas reach trucks have a side-facing cab to facilitate better visibility.

Can you drive a reach truck with counterbalance training?

You can not rely on counterbalance training to be able to operate reach truck forklifts. As the two pieces of equipment are classed as different machines, relevant training must be undertaken and completed for each specific machines to operate safely and legally. However, at HL Training, we offer conversion training programs that acknowledge a learner’s previous experience with other machines. These teach the differences and fill any gaps in their knowledge and experience with the new machine.

Find counterbalance training courses also available from our wider forklift training course offering.