Mastering Mobility: Exploring Fork Lift Truck Training Options

In the world of material handling and warehouse operations, lift trucks are essential tools for moving goods efficiently and safely. However, operating these powerful machines requires specialised training and a thorough understanding of safety protocols. In this blog, we’ll explore the various fork lift truck training options available, highlighting their importance and what each type of training entails.

Fork Lift Truck Training

Why Fork Lift Truck Training Matters:

Safety First: Lift trucks can pose significant risks, including tip-overs, collisions, and load instability. Proper training equips operators with the knowledge and skills to handle these machines safely, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Optimal Performance: Training enhances the efficiency of lift truck operations. By teaching operators the best practices for maneuvering, loading, and unloading, training ensures optimal performance and productivity in material handling tasks.

Compliance and Liability: Employers have a legal obligation to provide adequate training for lift truck operators. Compliance with safety regulations protects workers and shields employers from legal liabilities and financial consequences.

Fork Lift Truck Training

Types of Fork Lift Truck Training:

Each machine type has it’s own training course, and within the courses there are different variations of truck.  NPORS have 12 different courses which we will detail below together with the ABA variations.  Every candidate will need to complete a separate test for every variation of truck they wish to operate.  

1. N001 – Industrial Counterbalanced Lift Truck: This training focuses on the most common type of lift truck, used extensively in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. It covers safe operating practices, load handling, and maneuvering techniques specific to counterbalanced trucks.

ABA groupings:

A3 Pedestrian Electric Counterbalance lift trucks

B1 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Counterbalance lift truck up to and including 5 tonne
B2 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Counterbalance lift truck over 5 tonne – up to and including 15 tonne
B3 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Counterbalance lift truck over 15 tonne
B4 Rider Electric Stand – on counterbalance

2. N003 Reach Truck: Reach trucks are designed for high stacking in narrow aisles. Training includes instruction on the unique aspects of reach truck operation, such as extending and retracting the mast, working at heights, and maintaining stability.

A7 Pedestrian Electric Reach trucks

D1 Rider Electric Reach & straddle trucks 3-8m lift
D2 Rider Electric Reach & straddle trucks over 8m lift
D3 Rider Electric Stand on Reach trucks

3. N004 Lorry mounted Lift Truck: These transportable trucks, sometimes called a Moffett Mounty, these are the trucks that you see being transported on the back of a lorry.  For use by the driver to unload the vehicles contents once they have arrived at there destination. 

T1 Rider I.C.E Vehicle Mounted Lift Trucks

T(B1) Counterbalance, T(D1) Reach,  T(J4) Telehanlder T(A3) Pedestrian Lift truck

4. N005 Order Picker: Order pickers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of goods. They are responsible for selecting and retrieving products from storage to fulfill customer orders accurately and timely.

A1 Pedestrian Electric Pallet; stillage; low lift platform & low lift order-picking trucks
A2 Rider Electric Pallet; stillage; low lift platform & low lift order-picking trucks

E1 Rider Electric    Medium level order picking trucks up to and including 3m
E2 Rider Electric    High level order picking trucks over 3m

5. N006 Sideloader: Sideloader lift trucks are specialized material handling vehicles designed to transport long, bulky loads, such as lumber, steel pipes, and large sheets of metal or glass, efficiently and safely. Unlike traditional forklifts, sideloaders carry loads on their sides, making them ideal for navigating narrow aisles and tight spaces. 

C1 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Side loader up to and including 5 tonne
C2 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Side loader over 5 tonne up to and including 15 tonne
C3 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Side loader over 15 tonne

6. N007 Narrow Aisle Lift Truck:  In modern warehouse and distribution centers, maximising storage space while maintaining operational efficiency is crucial. Narrow aisle lift trucks, also known as very narrow aisle (VNA) trucks, are designed to operate in tight spaces, allowing for higher storage density and better space utilization.

F1 Rider Electric Very narrow aisle lateral (and front) stacking trucks – operator up
F2 Rider Electric Very narrow aisle lateral (and front) stacking trucks – operator down

7. N008 Pallet Truck Training: These trucks are often used in smaller warehouses and retail environments. Training includes safe operation while walking alongside the truck, load handling, and maneuvering in confined spaces.

A4 Rider Electric Rider Pallet Stackers
A5 Pedestrian Electric Pallet stackers
A6 Pedestrian Electric Straddle trucks

8. N009 Rough Terrain Lift Truck: This training is tailored for lift trucks used in outdoor and uneven terrain environments, such as construction sites and agricultural settings. It covers safe driving practices on rough terrain, load stability, and hazard awareness.

J1 Rider I.C.E. Rough terrain masted lift trucks

9. Telescopic Handler: Telescopic handlers, commonly known as telehandlers, are versatile lifting machines used extensively in construction, agriculture, and various industrial applications. With their extendable booms and ability to handle a wide range of attachments, telehandlers are invaluable for lifting and placing materials at heights and over obstacles.

J2 Rider I.C.E. Rough terrain variable reach lift trucks – up to 9m lift
J3 Rider I.C.E. Rough terrain high lift telescopic trucks – above 9m lift
J4 Rider I.C.E. Industrial variable reach lift truck – up to 9m lift
J5 Rider I.C.E. Industrial high lift telescopic truck – above 9m lift
J6 Rider I.C.E. Variable reach/tele, 360o slew under 9m lift
J7 Rider I.C.E. Variable reach/tele, 360o slew over 9m lift

10. Container Handler:  Container handlers are crucial machines in logistics and shipping industries, designed to efficiently move, stack, and transport large containers in ports, rail yards, and distribution centers. These powerful vehicles, which include reach stackers, straddle carriers, and gantry cranes, are essential for the smooth operation of global trade.

G2 Rider I.C.E. Counterbalance container handling trucks
G3 Rider I.C.E. Side loader container handling trucks
G4 Rider I.C.E. Telescopic container handler trucks
G5 Rider I.C.E. Rough Terrain Telescopic Container Handler Truck

11. Pivot Steer Truck: Also known as articulated trucks, these are used in tight spaces and narrow aisles. Training focuses on the pivoting mechanism, handling tight turns, and safe operation in confined spaces.

P1 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Pivot steer trucks
P2 Pedestrian Electric Pivot steer trucks

12. Multi-Directional Truck: These lift trucks can move in multiple directions, making them ideal for handling long loads in tight spaces. Training covers multi-directional control, load handling, and navigation in restricted areas.

M1 Rider Electric Multi-directional Counterbalance Lift trucks
M2 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Multi-directional side loader
M3 Rider Electric & I.C.E. Multi-directional Reach Trucks

Fork Lift Truck Training

Conclusion:

Fork lift truck training is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance in material handling operations. By offering specialised training for different types of lift trucks, we equip operators with the skills and knowledge needed to handle these machines confidently and responsibly. Whether you’re a new operator or an experienced professional looking to refine your skills, our diverse range of training options will help you excel in your role and contribute to a safer, more efficient workplace.

Fork Lift Truck Training

So why use Kentra Training?  As many of you know Kentra was established in 1997 by Norman Kennish. Straight away the company registered with NPORS as a training provider. Our registration is number 66 and as such we are now one of the longest serving TP’s with them, delivering nearly 100 different training courses, including our own unique NPORS Small Plant and Portable Tools course and also all the Fork Lift Truck Training Options, which is what this blog is about.

Arranging a course

Arranging training with us is simple, contact us through the webpage , email the office on office@kentratraining.co.uk   or give us a call on 01606 832 556 and we can talk you through the different options available.     It really couldn’t be easier to trained as competent operator, we are waiting to help you.