Reach Truck Training
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Reach truck training
Become fully licensed to operate
Our mission is to deliver top-notch reach truck training, producing highly skilled operators ready to apply their training in the workplace. We believe in challenging our trainees to bring out their best, and we achieve this by delivering our sessions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Our reach truck courses include classroom-based theory lessons and practical sessions using the reach lift truck. These courses follow the guidelines and timings set out by ITSSAR and adhere to the Health and Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice, ensuring that employers meet their legal obligations to provide adequate training for all reach truck operators.
At South Coast Forklift Training, we recognise that everyone has different learning preferences. Therefore, our courses incorporate various techniques to cater to all learners. We use forklift models, videos, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, and handouts to keep everyone engaged. Each lesson concludes with questions to ensure all information is understood.
The theory work builds gradually, allowing time to absorb the information before moving to the next stage. Practical lessons are demonstrated, and trainees are given ample time to practice under close supervision.
Each course culminates in three stages of testing:
- Theory Test – 25 questions with an 80% pass rate.
- Pre-use Inspection Test – Ensuring the truck is safe to use.
- Practical Skills Test – A timed and scored test involving various manoeuvres that must be completed safely.
While the word “test” can be intimidating, we are here to guide trainees through each section.
The reach truck
Height, rather than weight
Reach trucks, also known as reach forklift trucks, differ from standard counterbalance forklift trucks in two key ways:
- The mast and carriage can extend forward, allowing the forks to enter a racking system to pick up and deposit loads. This ability to “reach” forward is where their name comes from.
- The operator enters from the rear and sits at a right angle to the direction of travel.
Reach trucks are commonly found in warehouses worldwide. Their compact design offers excellent manoeuvrability, making them ideal for warehouses where space is limited. Traditionally used indoors due to their low ground clearance and small wheels, outdoor models are becoming increasingly popular.
These trucks have a lifting capacity ranging from one to three tonnes, but they are typically chosen for their height capabilities rather than weight. Larger models can lift loads to heights exceeding fourteen meters.
The 3-wheel design of reach trucks enhances manoeuvrability but can reduce stability compared to 4-wheel trucks. To address this, newer models are equipped with sensors that adjust speed during turns.
Manufacturers focus on making these machines ergonomic and comfortable, as operators often use them for extended periods. Vibration-free controls are standard, and seats, control elements, and even the floor are adjustable.
Reach trucks are powered by electric batteries located in the bulkhead between the driver and the forks, charged via a separate charging cabinet. Many trucks now use lithium-ion batteries, which charge faster, require no maintenance, and do not emit harmful gases during charging.
REACH TRUCK TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES
Reach Truck Course Specifications
Machine:
Reach (Rider)
Category:
D1 or D2
Specification:
3-8 metre lift (D1) or over 8 metre lift (D2)
Accrediting Body:
Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)
Maximum Ratio:
3 : 1 : 1 (3 operators, 1 instructor, 1 machine)
Duration:
Novice - 1 operator = 3 days, 2 operators = 4 days, 3 operators = 5 days
Experienced - 1 operator = 2 days, 2 operators = 2 days, 3 operators = 3 days
Safety Refresher - 1 operator = 1 day, 2 operators = 1 day, 3 operators = 1 day
Conversion - contact us
Cost:
Contact us
COURSES DESIGNED TO DELIVER RESULTS
Reach Truck Course Breakdown
The following list is the elements that make up a novice reach truck course. For experienced operators, safety refresher and conversion courses the list would be shorter.
- Course induction
- The need and reasons for training and statutory requirements (HASAWA 1974 etc.)
- Introduction to equipment/control familiarisation/principles of operation
- Identification/use/adjustment of attachments in pre-determined positions including forks
- Recommended mount and dismount
- Introduction to motive, steering controls and practice
- Basic steering exercises – simple courses
- Advanced steering exercises – figure of 8/chicane/90° approaches
- Battery charging procedures/maintenance
- Operator safety code and relevant handout
- Daily pre-use inspections/refuelling procedures
- Engineering principles/rated capacity/stability
- Simple hydraulics (theory)
- Introduction to hydraulic controls, handling empty pallets low-level
- Load types/handling and weight assessment
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels on industrial racking*
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels bulk stacks*
- Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels cup post pallets*
- Manoeuvring with loads/ramps and inclines/handling awkward loads*
- Relevant safety film
- Vehicle loading and unloading (theory)*
- Vehicle loading and unloading (practical)*
- Multi-choice theory test
- Pre-use inspection test
- Practical skills test
* To be covered where relevant to operation or facilities permit
WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL, WE HAVE YOU COVERED
From in-depth beginners to safety refresher courses
ITSSAR-accredited reach truck training
All courses are ITSSAR-accredited and therefore recognised throughout your industry.
Novice reach truck training
For trainees with little or no previous experience operating a reach truck.
Experienced reach truck training
Where candidates have relevant, recent experience but, have not received any kind of approved training.
Reach truck refresher training
Periodic reach truck refresher training is for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.
Reach truck conversion training
Where operators already hold a forklift certificate on a similar machine and wish to qualify on a reach truck.
Delivering the best for your buisiness
Our courses are designed to achieve results
On-site reach truck courses
Every reach truck course we deliver is carried out on our customer’s premises. This approach gives trainees the advantage of being trained and tested on a machine familiar to them, eliminating the need for re-learning on a different truck after the initial training. Upon completing this reach truck course, operators will know how to use these machines safely and efficiently.
We are pleased to offer bespoke training programmes tailored to your business requirements. We will always work around your needs and environment to minimise disruption.
Facilities required
Firstly, and most importantly, we will need access to your reach truck to conduct your forklift training. Additionally, we require an undisturbed area with ample space for basic manoeuvres and testing. Pallets and realistic loads appropriate to your business are useful; the instructor will provide traffic cones. For the theory lessons, sufficient space is needed for the instructor and trainees to work. A small office with a table, chairs, and power will suffice.
All forklift operators must wear safety boots and any other personal protective equipment per the company's internal risk assessments. We supply high-visibility vests.
If you have any questions or concerns about the above requirements, contact us to discuss them.
Reach truck licence certificates
Upon completing this reach truck training, drivers are fully licensed to operate this category of truck. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.
Participants will also receive the following:
- An A4 ITSSAR-approved reach truck certificate of basic training*
- A plastic photo identification card*
- A written assessment of strengths and weaknesses*
Additionally, operators are entered or edited onto ITSSAR’s TOPS (Trained Operator Passport Scheme) database for future reference.
*There is no additional charge for these
Five-star aftercare
Our service doesn't end with your training. At South Coast Forklift Training, we pride ourselves on our exceptional aftercare. This sets us apart from the competition and is one of the many reasons our clients return to us. We're always here to answer any questions and offer advice.
Additionally, after completing our training courses, clients receive:
- Warning when refresher training is due
- All relevant Health and Safety documentation
- Refuelling/recharging poster
- Seven-day pre-use inspection checklist
- Authorisation to operate lift trucks form
- Employer's training record form
APPROVED FORKLIFT LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES
Other Accredited Training Courses
Counterbalance Training
The counterbalance forklift is what most people think of when talking about forklift trucks. They are by far the most common fork truck in use in the world today. Their versatility means they are useful both inside and outside.
VNA Training
A VNA truck can fit into an aisle that is only a few centimetres wider than the truck. They are guided in these narrow spaces by either wire or rails. Their usual rated capacity is 1-1.6 tonnes with some models able to lift in excess of 15 metres.
Telehandler Training
No building site or farm is complete without a rough terrain, telescopic truck. With large tyres and high ground clearance there aren't many locations they can't work in. Some come equipped with legs for increased stability.
No wonder our clients keep coming back
Feedback from our trainees
"Having the instructor be encouraging while learning gives you confidence that you are achieving something – even the theory was engaging."
JK, Portsmouth, Hampshire
"Everything was very well explained. I enjoyed the theory as to how the truck works and should be driven."
TK, Lymington, Hampshire
"Fantastic instructor. Cannot recommend Clinton enough for his quality delivery of training, and his patience to persist in helping iron out errors 10/10."
TB, Segensworth, Fareham, Hampshire
Health & Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice - Rider-Operated Lift Trucks
Obligation to provide basic training - employers should not allow anyone to operate, even on a very occasional basis a lift truck until they have completed basic training and testing.