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.
What is a counterbalance forklift?
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 Centres, Dockyards, and Construction sites.
What is the lifting capacity of a counterbalance forklift?
Counterbalance forklifts can lift from 900kg to 5000kg in weight. The Insite counterbalance forklift Operator course certifies individuals to drive a forklift with up to 5,000kg lift capacity.
What energy/power source to counterbalance forklifts use?
They can be powered by electric, gas, or diesel engines. Electric counterbalance forklifts produce almost zero emissions.
Our courses
We offer counterbalance and reach forklift operator license in novice, skilled operator, and refresher levels.
This counterbalance training 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
- 4 day course
- 5 day course
- 1 – 1
- 2 – 1
- 3 – 1
Course agenda
- Introduction to the counterbalance forklift truck to be used – Daily Maintenance Checks
- Pre-use inspection and take over maintenance
- Care of batteries/LPG/Diesel Trucks
- Controls and instruments
- Weight assessment / Stability Factors
- Starting, moving and stopping the truck
- Handling laden and unladen pallets
- Practical test of basic operating skills
- Relevant Legislation and Regulations – Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER 1998, LOLER 1998 and L117 – Rider Operated lift trucks (ACOP & Guidance)
- Operation of hydraulic controls
- Stacking/de-stacking – free standing and in racking at various heights
- Loading and unloading procedures
- Safety code testing
- Written test of operating knowledge
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
- 3 day course
- 4 day course
- 1 – 1
- 2 – 1, 3 – 1
Course agenda
- Introduction to the counterbalance forklift truck to be used – Daily Maintenance Checks
- Pre-use inspection and take over maintenance
- Care of batteries/LPG/Diesel Trucks
- Controls and instruments
- Weight assessment / Stability Factors
- Starting, moving and stopping the truck
- Handling laden and unladen pallets
- Practical test of basic operating skills
- Relevant Legislation and Regulations – Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER 1998, LOLER 1998 and L117 – Rider Operated lift trucks (ACOP & Guidance)
- Operation of hydraulic controls
- Stacking/de-stacking – free standing and in racking at various heights
- Loading and unloading procedures
- Safety code testing
- Written test of operating knowledge
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: 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, 2-1, 3-1
Course agenda
- Introduction to the counterbalance forklift truck to be used – Daily Maintenance Checks
- Pre-use inspection and take over maintenance
- Care of batteries/LPG/Diesel Trucks
- Controls and instruments
- Weight assessment / Stability Factors
- Starting, moving and stopping the truck
- Handling laden and unladen pallets
- Practical test of basic operating skills
- Relevant Legislation and Regulations – Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER 1998, LOLER 1998 and L117 – Rider Operated lift trucks (ACOP & Guidance)
- Operation of hydraulic controls
- Stacking/de-stacking – free standing and in racking at various heights
- Loading and unloading procedures
- Safety code testing
- Written test of operating knowledge
Frequently asked questions
How long is a counterbalance training course?
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.
What is a counterbalance B1, B2 and B3?
Counterbalance forklifts are categorised into different classifications based on their lifting capacity:
- B1: Covers forklifts with a lifting capacity of up to 5 tonnes. This is the most common category for general warehouse and industrial use.
- B2: Covers forklifts with a lifting capacity of over 5 tonnes and up to 15 tonnes. These are typically used for heavier industrial applications.
- B3: Covers forklifts with a lifting capacity of over 15 tonnes. These are specialised machines used for very heavy loads, often in industries such as steel or port operations.
Can you drive a B1 forklift with a B2 licence?
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.
Can a counterbalance forklift operator drive a reach forklift truck?
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
Do your counterbalance training courses comply with HSE guidelines?
All our forklift training courses comply with the standard laid down in accordance with the HSE code of practice L117.
How can we help?
Contact us today and a member of our Sales Team will be in touch to understand your needs
or give us a call on 0330 818 8888.
