Warehouse Specialist

Reach Truck
Training

Narrow aisle and high-rack warehouse operations. Stand-on and sit-in models. Extended reach legs, high lift, and precision placement.

Choose Your Course

Whether you are refreshing existing skills, training from scratch, or converting from counterbalance — we have you covered.

New Operator Course

3–5 days

Complete training from zero experience. Takes a novice through theory, familiarisation, supervised practice, and formal assessment to full operator competence on reach trucks.

Aligned to: HSE ACOP L117 & PUWER Regulation 9
£500–800
per operator
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Conversion Course

1–2 days

For operators already competent on counterbalance forklifts wanting to add reach truck to their skill set. Focuses on the key operational differences, reach-specific hazards, and high-level stacking.

Aligned to: HSE ACOP L117 & PUWER Regulation 9
On Application
Contact us for a tailored quote
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Reach Truck vs Counterbalance

Reach trucks are specialist warehouse machines — not just smaller forklifts. Understanding the differences is critical for safe operation.

Reach Truck

  • Operator stands or sits sideways
  • Reach legs extend forward for stability
  • Pantograph or moving mast for extended reach
  • Designed for narrow aisles (2.7m+)
  • Lifts to 12m+ in high-bay racking
  • Rear-wheel steering for tight turns
  • Electric-powered only (indoor use)
  • Reduced visibility at height

Counterbalance

  • Operator sits facing forward
  • Counterweight at rear for balance
  • Fixed mast — no extended reach
  • Requires wider aisles (3.5m+)
  • Typically lifts to 6–7m maximum
  • Front or rear-wheel steering
  • Electric, LPG, or diesel variants
  • Better all-round visibility

Key Training Content

Comprehensive reach truck training covering theory, practical operation, and reach-specific hazards.

Extended Reach Operations

Centre of gravity shifts, pantograph controls, tilting mast operation, and load stability at extension.

High-Level Stacking

Visibility management, precise load placement at height, racking interactions, and beam clearances.

Narrow Aisle Operations

Clearance management, speed control, pedestrian awareness, and manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Operating Positions

Stand-on vs sit-in configurations. Correct posture, control layout differences, and ergonomic operation.

Battery Management

Charging procedures, battery swaps, hydrogen gas risks, charging bay safety, and daily checks.

Pre-Use Checks

Reach-specific inspections: mast, forks, reach mechanism, overhead guard, hydraulics, and tyres.

Reduced Visibility at Height

Mirror usage, camera systems, spotter procedures, and safe stacking above clear sight line.

Centre of Gravity & Stability

How extended reach affects load stability, tip-over risks, and safe load weight management at height.

How You Are Assessed

Rigorous, auditable assessment covering theory and practical competence — fully HSE compliant.

Theory test covering reach-specific scenarios and warehouse hazards
Practical assessment on your own reach truck equipment
Pre-use check observation and demonstration
Certificate of competence issued on completion
Full auditable records maintained for HSE inspection
Individual assessment even in group training sessions

Ready to Get Started?

Call or email for a no-obligation quote. We will get back to you within 24 hours.