Counterbalance is the most common type of forklift. You will see it in many workplaces as a matter of fact, when we talk about forklift, this what instinctively comes into our minds.
As its name suggests, it operates with a counterweight at the rear of the vehicle off-setting the load to be lifted at the front. Many models of counterbalance forklift can be powered with gas, diesel or electric.
Being common and its characteristics are what makes it more dangerous to operate. This is why extensive training should be performed when taking such a training course.
The aim of the training is to provide you with the sufficient knowledge, practical skills and know-how on associated risks involved in operating such counterbalance in the workplace.
Just like any other training, the curriculum is composed of classroom training, practical training and operator performance evaluation.
If you are asking how much it would cost to be certified on counterbalance forklift, below is the ballpark figure.
Application of Counterbalance Forklift Licence
If you are in the United States, follow this link: Article.
For UK operators, you can enroll in a forklift training course at a school in your area. The list of companies the provide counterbalance forklift training in the United Kingdom are listed below, you can refer to the list.
The training course will compose of theory and lectures, practical operator training (actual driving of the forklift truck) and finally performance assessment. For new operators with no prior skills, the course is lengthier that usually lasts for 3 to 5 days and it could cost more. For experienced operator the course takes 2-3 days, for refresher and conversion, it only takes 1 day to complete the course.
During the duration of the classroom lecture, operators will be presented lectures in DVD format and Powerpoint presentations. The discussion will revolve around these topics:
- A brief introduction about counterbalance forklift trucks
- Current laws and legislation about forklift operations
- Understand about manufacturer’s specifications
- Familiarization with controls and its instruments including emergency control
- Lifting procedure and load capacity
- Handling of loads and placement in pallets
- Troubleshooting the forklift
- Refueling, oil and coolant checking
- Operating in confined spaces
- Driving in pedestrian
- Driving in different road condition and on ramps
Successful operators, who have been evaluated, will receive a certificate of training completion, operator card and registration. Their names will be entered into RTITB registry called NPORS database.
The forklift licence expires every three years, and in order to renew it, you need to take the refresher course.
Cost of the Licence
The training schools can charge up to £80.00 to £90.00/person per day. Other training packages are also being offered by these training companies that usually range from £500.00 to £700.00.
The training companies can make a 1:3 trainer-to-trainees ratio in order to give more focus on every operator ensuring each trainee receive sufficient knowledge and skill after the course.
Successful trainees can be charged for additional cost for the following documentation: Printed ITSSAR accredited certificate for £5.00, credit card style photo ID card for £10 + vat, and NPORS certificate with photo ID may cost £29.00
Schools that Provide Counterbalance Forklift Training Course
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 is the important legislation the gives protection to forklift operators. This legislation ensures that the forklift operator receives careful understandings of their everyday jobs. With this legislation, training schools ensure your competency upon course completion.
Training schools in the UK and US that offer counterbalance forklift training
We have listed here the training providers in the US and UK. Select which one is closest to you. Email or phone them to enquire about your need.
In the United Kingdom:
Tockwith Training Services Ltd
The Training Centre
Shirbutt Lane, Hessay
York, North Yorkshire, YO26 8JT
Email:
Telephone: 01904 737049
Novice: 5 days training
Refresher and Conversion" 1 day only
Novice Operator Course - £494
Existing Operators Course - £300
Conversion Course - £190
Refresher Course - £159
Kentec Training Limited
Unit 17 London Industrial Park, Eastbury Road, Beckton, London
phone: 0333-666-0555
Training duration: 3-5 days
Cost: £714.00 inclusive of tax
Autec Training Limited
Oxney Road Industrial Estate
Peterborough, PE1 5YW
Telephone: 0800 581976
Telephone: 01733 555515
Fax: 01733 898376
Email:
Cost of training per day: £89.00 + VAT
Evolve Training & Conference Centre
Wellheads Crescent, Wellheads Industrial Estate,
Dyce, Aberdeen, AB21 7GA
Phone: 01224 724 008
email:
Cost of training per person: £635.00
Safe-T Solutions
Fax: 01778 424105
Meadow Drove Business Centre
Meadow Drove, Bourne, PE10 0BP
Telephone: 0845 6588342
Mobile: 07918 123652
Novice: 5 days
Experienced: 3 days
Conversion: 1 day
Refresher: 1 day
Instructor Training: 10 days
You may enquuire how much the counterbalance forklift training
Health Safety Training Limited
Unit 6, Wesley Way,
Benton Square Industrial Estate,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE12 9TA
Telephone: 0191 6440 332
Training course lasts 2 to 5 days
Contact them to inquire about training schedule and pricing
Linde Training
Winwick Rd., Warrington, Cheshire WA2 8JF
Tel: 0800 0304908
Fax: 01925 417011
Course durations:
1 Day Refresher And Test Course
2.5 Day Operator Safety Course
5 Day Basic Operator Course [for those with no truck operational experience]
Machine: Rider Counterbalanced Fork Lift Truck
Max 3 students per course
You may inquire for the cost of the licence
Sibbald Training
Shona's Way, Sibbald Park
Blackridge, West Lothian, EH48 3BN
Tel: 01501 750900
Phone:01501 750 900
Fax:01501 753137
5 days training assessment, you may contact them for course availability and pricing
GTG (part of the Arnold Clark Group)
Glasgow Phone: 0141 258 5502
Edinburgh Phone:0131 629 1003
Phone: 01902 471 302
Provided counterbalance forklift training
You can contact them how much is the training
A1 Training Services (WB) Ltd
248 Mackadown Lane, Kitts Green, Birmingham, B33 0LE
Telephone: 0121 789 8471
Email:
Duration: 3-5 days, depending on the skill level of the operator
Enquire how much is the cost of the licence
BB Training Services
35 Main Street, Longriggend, Airdrie, ML6 7RS
(+44) 01236 843 708
Enquire with the company how much is the cost of counterbalance forklift training
APTT LTD
Units 1 & 2 Bersham Enterprise Centre
Rhostyllen Wrexham LL14 4EG
Phone: 01978 311 333
Novice operator: 5 Days
Experienced driver: 3 Days
Refresher: 1 Day
Ask how much is the training course and availability
HGV Training
12 Regis Road, London
phone: 0330-088-0000
Inquire with them for course schedule and pricing
Kent Forklift Training
Unit 39 Blenheim Close
Pysons Road Ind Est
Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2YF
Office: 01843 603 199
Mobile: 07595 021 623
Email:
Novice: 3 / 5 days
Experienced: 2 / 3 days
Refresher: 1 day
Conversion: 1 day
To check how much is the licence, you can make an enquiry
Training Schools in the United States:
Leavitt Machinery Seattle, WA
17300 West Valley Hwy
Tukwila, WA 98188
Ph: (425) 251-0600
(Several branches in Canada, and UK)
For novice operator: the course is extended to 2 days
Contact them for availability and pricing
IVES Training & Compliance Group Inc. (US)
1667 Grant Ave., Blaine, WA 98230
Phone: 360-945-1909
IVES Training Group Inc. (Canada)
Unit 102 – 19162 22 Avenue
Surrey, BC V3Z 3S6
Phone: 604-542-4837
2-day certification course
You may inquire how much is the course and its scheduling
If you are seeking training to be conducted in your own workplace, you can make an arrangement with them. On-site training is the most ideal mean to receive the training because the trainer can alter the type, of course, to suit with the current condition of the workplace, makes and specifications of the trucks being used and behavior of the operators they exhibit. By addressing some issues about the operators and workplace, trainer can conduct training to correct them, reducing chances of the accidents.
Taking the Forklift Training
As a counterbalance forklift operator, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient movement of goods around a warehouse or other storage facility. Your duties will include loading and unloading vehicles, picking and packing orders, and moving stock around the warehouse. In order to be eligible for a counterbalance forklift job, you will need to have completed a forklift training course.
Forklift training courses are typically run over a period of 3-5 days, and cover both theory and practical elements. The theoretical component will cover topics such as health and safety, loading and unloading procedures, and basic maintenance. The practical element will involve operating a forklift in a variety of different scenarios, under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Once you have completed a forklift training course, you will be able to apply for counterbalance forklift jobs with confidence. With the right training and experience, you can progress to become a warehouse supervisor or manager.
Taking Forklift Safety Measures
When working with a counterbalance forklift, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to stay safe. First, always be aware of your surroundings and know where the forks are in relation to your body. Second, when lifting or lowering a load, do so slowly and smoothly to avoid dropping it. Third, keep the load balanced and as close to the ground as possible to avoid tipping the forklift. Finally, always use the safety features of the forklift, such as the seat belt, when operating the machine. By following these safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and injuries while working with a counterbalance forklift.
Getting a Job as a Counterbalance Forklift Operator
A counterbalance forklift is a type of forklift that uses a weight at the back of the vehicle to balance the load in the front. This type of forklift is typically used in warehouses and factories to move heavy loads.
Forklift operators who specialize in operating counterbalance forklifts typically have a lot of experience and are very skilled at their job. These operators must be able to safely and efficiently move heavy loads around a warehouse or factory.
Operating a counterbalance forklift is a physically demanding job and operators must be in good physical condition. They must also be able to work long hours, as many warehouses and factories operate 24 hours a day. Hence, being in good physical conditioning is important.
Counterbalance forklift operators typically earn a good wage and benefits package. They may also receive training and certification from their employer. It is the responsibility of the employer to supply the necessary training to the operators.
To Sum it Up
Counterbalance forklift training can consume some of your time but you are assured to collect more wisdom and proficiency driving this type of forklift. The cost may put a small hole in your pocket but it is your investment for long term career. Training schools are the place to go. You cannot be trained by online providers just go out there and get your counterbalance forklift licence.
