What is the difference between a reach truck and a counterbalance forklift?

A reach truck has extending forks that 'reach' beyond the stabilising legs, making it ideal for narrow aisles and high racking. Counterbalance forklifts use a heavy rear weight and are better suited for open spaces. Reach trucks can typically lift higher but have lower weight capacities.

Do I need experience to take reach truck training?

No prior experience is needed for our novice reach truck course. Complete beginners are welcome. We provide comprehensive training from basic controls through to full practical assessment.

What jobs can I get with a reach truck licence?

Qualified reach truck operators work in warehouses, distribution centres, cold storage facilities, and logistics hubs. Operators typically earn £18,500–£22,000 annually with opportunities for overtime and progression.

Accredited Forklift Training

Reach Truck Training Warehouse

Direct Training is the industry-leading forklift training provider, delivering reach truck forklift training in London with a 98.5% national pass rate.

Reach truck forklift training at Direct Training

Reach trucks are designed for confined warehouses with high racking, offering maximum lift height capacity with incredible manoeuvrability. They are best suited to warehouse operations where space is at a premium. The name "reach truck" comes from the machine's ability to reach out further than its stabilising legs, making it easy to access high rackings in tight warehouse environments.

When it comes to the actual reach truck training course, we cover all aspects of daily operations. Direct Training provides comprehensive theoretical and practical training to ensure every operator is fully competent and safety-aware.

Reach Truck Training Breakdown

Training Duration	1 Day – 5 Days (Depends On Reach Truck Training Level i.e Novice / Experienced / Refresher)
Training Location	London & 65+ Nationwide Training Centres
Operator Salary	£18,500 – £22,000 Annually
National Pass Rate	Direct Training has a 98.5% Forklift Training Pass Rate Nationally
Certification	HSE L117 Accredited Certificate – Valid Nationwide

📑 Course Agenda

✔️ The operators safety code
✔️ Introduction to the reach truck forklift
✔️ Controls, instruments & mast operation
✔️ Starting, moving and stopping safely
✔️ Steering in narrow aisles
✔️ Reach mechanism operation
✔️ Operation of hydraulic controls
✔️ Daily pre-use inspection checklist
✔️ Weight assessment and load stability at height
✔️ Stacking and de-stacking high-level racking
✔️ Side-shifting and tilt control
✔️ Hazard awareness and pedestrian safety
✔️ Battery management and charging procedures
✔️ Final practical assessment

📅 Course Duration

Novice Operators:

5 Days – up to 3 candidates

4 Days – up to 2 candidates

3 Days – 1 candidate

Experienced Course:

2–3 Days – up to 3 candidates

Refresher Course:

1 Day – up to 3 candidates

Conversion Course:

1–2 Days – up to 3 candidates

Reach Truck Training Safety

The stability and centre of gravity of a reach truck forklift differs from a counterbalance forklift because they are designed to reach out towards the racking further than their stabilising legs. To avoid a fatal truck tip-over, drivers must be trained to understand the truck's centre of gravity, load capacity, and the outcomes that load weight has on the reach truck when at height or with the reach extended.

Why Choose Direct Training for Reach Truck Courses?

Nationally recognised accredited certification (HSE L117)
Expert instructors with 13+ years industry experience
Hands-on practical training in warehouse environments
Flexible scheduling — weekday and weekend courses
98.5% national pass rate with dedicated learner support
Competitive pricing with flexible payment options
FREE parking at all training centres
Employment support service available after qualification

In-House Reach Truck Training For Businesses

Direct Training provides on-site reach truck training at your business premises. We can train groups of up to 30 operators per week, bringing all necessary equipment to your warehouse or distribution centre.

Reach Truck Training Near Me

With over 65 partnering training facilities nationwide, we have a centre near you. Our forklift training London & forklift training Birmingham centres specialise in warehouse forklift operations.

Frequently Asked Questions — Reach Truck Training

Common questions about reach truck forklift training courses

Reach truck training teaches operators to safely drive and operate a reach truck forklift, which is designed for narrow aisle warehouse environments with high racking. The course covers controls, stability, load handling at height, and safe manoeuvring in confined spaces.

Novice operators require 3–5 days, experienced operators 2–3 days, and refresher courses take 1 day. Duration depends on the number of candidates and experience level.

Forklift training typically covers warehouse forklifts used indoors or on industrial sites, while CPCS telescopic handler training is for construction-based telehandlers and falls under the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), required on most UK building sites.

No prior experience is required for our novice courses in ${name}. We provide comprehensive training from the basics through to certification. If you already have experience, we offer shorter conversion and refresher courses.

You receive an accredited forklift operator certificate compliant with HSE Code of Practice L117. This is recognised by employers across the UK and qualifies you to operate reach truck forklifts in any warehouse environment.

Reach truck training is competitively priced with flexible payment options available. Call Direct Training on 0203 929 0792 for an accurate quote.

A counterbalance forklift licence opens doors to warehouse operative, distribution centre worker, logistics coordinator, and material handler roles. Qualified operators typically earn between £18,500 and £22,000 annually, with experienced operators earning significantly more.

Yes, Direct Training provides on-site reach truck training at your premises across the UK. We bring all necessary equipment and can train groups of up to 30 per week.

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Reach Truck Training Warehouse