Telehandler Training
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Telehandler training
Become fully licensed to operate
Our mission is to deliver top-notch telehandler 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 telehandler courses include both classroom-based theory lessons and practical sessions using the counterbalance 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 telehandler operators.
At South Coast Forklift Training, we recognize that everyone has different learning preferences. Therefore, our courses incorporate a variety of 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 telescopic handler
Rugged and versatile
A rough terrain telescopic handler, often shortened to telehandler, is a versatile truck that excels in off-roading across a farmer’s field, moving supplies on a construction site, or simply driving on the road.
Its name comes from its telescopic arm, known as a boom, which extends upwards and outwards to collect or deposit a load. They are often fitted with stabilisers to increase their capacity and keep the truck stable when handling these loads.
These remarkable machines can be equipped with a wide range of attachments, from standard forks to buckets, scoops, grabs, cranes, hooks, and working platforms.
Telehandlers have large tyres and high ground clearance. They also come with three steering modes: two-wheel steer, four-wheel steer, and crab steer.
They come in various shapes and sizes. The largest can reach over 20 meters, and the most powerful can lift more than 6 tonnes.
Operator comfort is a key design consideration. Since operators may spend an entire day in the cab, trucks are equipped with heaters, air conditioning, height-adjustable seats and controls, USB sockets, and various storage compartments to enhance comfort.
Safety is paramount. Because they regularly work on steep slopes, the cabs are reinforced, and they are fitted with “load moment indicators” to alert the operator when the truck is becoming unstable.
Traditionally, they run on diesel, powered by an internal combustion engine, but recently manufacturers have begun making hybrid and electric versions too.
TELEHANDLER TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES
Telehandler Course Specifications
Machine:
Rough Terrain Telescopic Handler
Category:
J2
Specification:
Maximum 9 metre lift
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
Telehandler Course Breakdown
The following list is the elements that make up a novice telehandler 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 telehandler training
All courses are ITSSAR accredited and therefore recognised throughtout your industry.
Novice telehandler training
For trainees with little or no previous experience operating a telehandler truck.
Experienced telehandler training
Where candidates have relevant, recent experience but, have not received any kind of approved training.
Telehandler refresher training
Periodic telehandler refresher training is for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.
Telehandler conversion training
Where operators already hold a forklift certificate on a similar machine and wish to qualify on a rough terrain telehandler.
Delivering the best for your buisiness
Our courses are designed to achieve results
On-site telehandler courses
Every telehandler 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 telehandler 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, to carry out your forklift training, we will need the use of your rough terrain telehandler truck. Also, an area where we will not be disturbed, with ample space to carry out basic manoeuvres and testing. Pallets and realistic loads appropriate to your business are useful - the instructor will bring a selection of traffic cones. For the theory lessons, we need sufficient space for the instructor and the trainees to work. A small office with a table, chairs and power will suffice.
All forklift operators are required to wear safety boots and any other personal protective equipment as per the company's internal risk assessments. We supply hi-visibility vests.
If unsure about any of the above, contact us to discuss.
Telehandler licence certificates
On completion of this telehandler training, drivers are fully licensed to operate this category of truck. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.
They will also receive the following:
- An A4 ITSSAR approved telehandler 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 aftercare. It is what sets us apart from the competition and one of the many reasons our clients return to us. If you need us we are always here to answer any questions and offer advice.
In addition to this, after completing our training courses, clients receive:
- Advance warning when refresher training is due
- All relevant Health and Safety documentation
- Refuelling/recharging poster
- Seven-day pre-use inspection checklist
- An 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 trucks 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.
Reach Truck Training
The reach fork truck is a common sight in most warehouses. They have great manoeuvrability and the ability to reach into warehouse racking. Usually chosen when height, rather than weight is the main purpose of use.
Professional Courses Our Customers Love
We look forward to working with you
Professional Instruction
ITSSAR accredited courses
Cost Effective
Premium service for less
Fully Insured
Public liability & indemnity
Easy Booking
Simple application process
No wonder our clients keep coming back
Feedback from our trainees
"Helpful & informative. Confidence boosted, very personable."
GW, Portsmouth, Hampshire
"Good training at a relaxed pace. Great instructor, very knowledgeable and helpful."
JM, Chessington, Surrey
"Insightful and extremely informative with good use of desktop media."
FM, Liphook, Hampshire
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
“It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”