Reach Truck Training

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Reach Truck Training

Become Fully Licensed to Operate

At South Coast Forklift Training, 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.

Course Highlights:

Our courses include classroom-based theory lessons and practical sessions using the reach lift truck. Following ITSSAR guidelines and the Health and Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice, we ensure employers meet their legal obligations to provide adequate training for all reach truck operators.

We use various techniques to cater to all learning preferences, including forklift models, videos, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, and handouts. Theory work builds gradually, allowing time to absorb information before moving to the next stage. Practical lessons are demonstrated, and trainees are given ample time to practice under close supervision.

Why Choose Our Training?

We pride ourselves on our expert instructors and dedicated professionals with extensive experience. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your needs and provide certification recognised by employers upon successful completion.

Testing Stages:

  • 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 with support and encouragement.

Licensed Reach Truck Training
Toyota Reach Truck

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 tight.

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 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 have 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 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

reach truck training
Reach Truck

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

Reach Truck Refresher Training

ITSSAR-Accredited Reach Truck Training

All courses are ITSSAR-accredited and recognised throughout the industry.

Novice Operator Forklift Training
Novice Level Training

Trainees with little or no previous experience operating the relevant truck.

Experienced Operator Forklift Training
Experienced Level Training

Trainees with relevant, recent experience who have not received any approved training.

Safety Refresher Forklift Training
Safety Refresher Training

Periodic forklift refresher training for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.

Conversion Forklift Training
Conversion Training

Training on a truck of a similar level to the one that the operator has already been trained, tested, and certified on.


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.

On-Site Forklift Courses
Facilities Required

Facilities Required

Firstly, and most importantly, we will need access to your reach truck to conduct your lift truck 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 truck operators must wear safety boots and 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

After completing this reach truck training, drivers are fully licensed to operate in this category. 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.

Forklift Licence Certificate
Aftercare from the best in the business!

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

Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of lift truck used today and are recognised for their versatility. They are essential for many industries and operate indoors and outdoors, making them highly practical for numerous material handling tasks.

FIND OUT MORE

VNA Training

VNA trucks are designed to fit into aisles only slightly wider than the truck. They accomplish this using wire or rail guidance systems. They typically have a rated capacity of 1-1.6 tonnes, with some models capable of lifting over 15 metres.

FIND OUT MORE

Reach (Stand-On) Training

The reach (stand-on) truck is less common than the standard truck but offers similar manoeuvrability and functionality. In this case, the operator is seated instead of standing. These tiny-wheeled trucks are particularly suited for warehouses.

FIND OUT MORE


Professional Courses Our Customers Love

We look forward to working with you

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Professional Instruction

ITSSAR-accredited courses

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Cost Effective

Premium service for less

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Fully Insured

Public liability & indemnity

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Easy Booking

Simple application process


No wonder our clients keep coming back

Feedback from our trainees

Black Quotation Marks

"Having the instructor be encouraging while learning gives you confidence that you are achieving something – even the theory was engaging."

JK, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Black Quotation Marks

"Everything was very well explained. I enjoyed the theory as to how the truck works and should be driven."

TK, Lymington, Hampshire

Black Quotation Marks

"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.