Counterbalance forklift training for businesses
Fully accredited and quality assured.
Fully accredited and quality assured.
Our certified, on and off-site counterbalance forklift training courses equip your learners with everything they need to safely and effectively operate within a warehouse, industrial and construction environment.
All our forklift training is accredited by RTITB, ITSAAR, ALLMI, NPORS or AITT and available to both beginner and experienced drivers.
A counterbalance forklift is a truck that uses a counterweight at the rear to balance the weight of the load being lifted at the front. This design allows the forklift to drive up close to the load and extend its forks to lift it. They are the most common type of forklift in the world and are used in many different settings, including: Warehouses, Factories, Distribution centers, Dockyards, and Construction sites.
Counterbalance forklifts can lift from 900kg to 5000kg in weight. The HGVC counterbalance forklift Operator course certifies individuals to drive a forklift with up to 5,000kg lift capacity.
They can be powered by electric, gas, or diesel engines. Electric counterbalance forklifts produce almost zero emissions.
Beginner/Novice
This course is designed for individuals with no experience of forklift truck operation who wish to achieve a nationally recognised operator qualification.
Course completion and certification allows drivers to operate a Counterbalance Forklift with up to 5000 kg lifting capacity.
Course length:
Course length can vary depending on the number of individuals you would like to train at one time:
| Duration | Instructor ratio |
| 3 Day Course | 1 – 1 |
| 4 Day Course | 2 – 1 |
| 5 Day Course | 3 – 1 |
Course Agenda
Skilled/experienced
The experienced operator course is designed for individuals who have experience of forklift truck operation but have not received formal training.
Course completion and certification allows drivers to operate a Counterbalance Forklift with up to 5000 kg lifting capacity.
Course length
Course length can vary depending on the number of individuals you would like to train at one time:
| Duration | Instructor ratio |
| 2 Day Course | 1 – 1 |
| 3 Day Course | 2-1, 3-1 |
Course Agenda
Refresher
This refresher course is for operators with documented evidence of formal training and who wish to renew their certification.
Course completion and certification allows drivers to operate a Counterbalance Forklift with up to 5000 kg lifting capacity.
Course length
| Duration | Instructor ratio |
| 1 Day Course | 1-1, 2-1, 3-1 |
Course Agenda
The duration typically ranges from 1 to 5 days, depending on the driver’s experience level. The beginner/novice course usually lasts around 3 to 5 days. Our Experienced/skilled operator course is 2 to 3 days depending on the number of learner/trainer ratio and our refresher course can be completed in 1 day. All courses include both theoretical and practical training, with a final assessment.
Counterbalance forklifts are categorised into different classifications based on their lifting capacity:
Yes, if you hold a B2 accreditation, you are permitted to drive a B1 forklift. A B2 accreditation covers the operation of both B1 and B2 counterbalance forklifts, as it includes training for forklifts with a capacity greater than those in the B1 category. However, it’s important to note that if your work involves operating a B1 forklift, your training should have included adequate practice with that specific type of equipment.
No. Counterbalance and Reach trucks are classed as different machines and do not have the same operating procedures. However, if an operator is already certificated, it will only require a conversion course to enable them to drive both types of forklift. Click here to learn more about our forklift conversion course. Click here
All our forklift training courses comply with the standard laid down in accordance with the HSE code of practice L117.
Click “Get in touch” or give us a call on 0330 818 8888
and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.