Counterbalance Forklift Training

If you are looking for expert counterbalance forklift training, look no further than our extensive counterbalance courses from HL Training. Here you can find information and details on the course, including why it is essential and what it entails. Alternatively, take a look at the full range of forklift operator training we offer.

What Is a Counterbalance Forklift Truck?

Counterbalance Fork Lift trucks are the most commonly used forklifts, and are used for various purposes. Smaller trucks are used for warehousing, loading and unloading lorries and general movement of loads. Larger trucks (B2, B3) are sometimes used along with attachments other than forks to move heavier, more obscure loads other than standard pallets. This includes attachments such as; clamps, rotating forks, boom attachments and more.

The main benefit of these counterbalance forklifts is that they can be used for almost any kind of load, given you have the correct attachment for the load required. The counterbalance is one of the most versatile trucks available being able to handle the majority of loads, subject to capacity and attachment. These trucks work indoors and outdoors.

Please Note: If you are trained on a forklift with forks attachment, you may need specific job training if you are required to use any other attachments. Contact us for more information.

Types of Counterbalance Forklifts

  • A3 Pedestrian Operated Counterbalance Forklift Truck
  • B1 Rider Operated Counterbalance Lift Truck, up to and including 5,000kg lift
  • B2 Rider Operated Counterbalance Lift Truck, above 5,000kg up to and including 15,000kg lift
  • B3 Rider Operated Counterbalance Lift Truck, above 15,000kg
  • B4 Counterbalance Lift Truck
  • J1 Rough Terrain Counterbalance Forklift Truck
  • J1 Rough Terrain Counterbalance Forklift Truck

New testing standards were introduced for counterbalance forklifts in September 2017, and further amended in September 2018. 

Course Timings 

Please note that course timings are based on 3 : 1 (number of candidates : number of instructors) ratio and timings may vary.

Novice: For a novice learner, the counterbalance forklift training course usually takes five days to successfully complete.
Experienced/Existing Operator: For those with previous experience, the counterbalance course takes three days to complete.
Conversion (from alternative type forklift): Typically two days to complete. However, this is down to instructors’ discretion. Further training may be recommended if the candidates do not reach the required standard.
Refresher Training: One day for successful completion of refresher counterbalance forklift training.

Linde Counterbalance Forklift

What Does the Counterbalance Course Entail?

Our Bristol-based counterbalance courses follow the accredited standard, ensuring every detail is covered for effective training. This counterbalance forklift training course covers, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Regulations/legislation including LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998 and HASAWA 1974
  • Introduction to truck
  • Capacity plates
  • Stability
  • Loading and unloading of vehicles
  • Handling laden/unladen pallets
  • Working within racking
Delegates must pass a theoretical test, a practical test and a pre-use check test mandatory for testing elements. All three must be completed successfully to complete the course.
 

What will a candidate receive upon completing an introductory operators course?

Certification: Upon successfully completing of the counterbalance training course, you will be issues with a certificate accredited by your chosen accrediting body (ITSSAR, RTITB or AITT)

Check out our accreditation page for more information. 

Photo ID Cards: These are also available, although depending on your chosen accreditation, they may be added to the cost quoted.

Find Out More Today

If our counterbalance forklift course sounds like the right fit for your team, don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more today. Our expert and friendly team are on hand now to help you with any advice and guidance on our counterbalance courses available. 

Alternatively, discover more training courses available from HL Training to find the right requirements for your team and learn more about us to discover why you should choose our training courses.

hl training services contact details

Available Course Dates

# SELECTED
Course NameDateTimeCourse LocationDelegate PriceDelegate FeesQuantityPlaces Left Book

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Refresher

05/04/24
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05/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £145.00 £15 0 Full

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Novice

08/04/2412/04/24
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08/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

09/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

10/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

11/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

12/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £725.00 £15 1

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Novice

08/04/2412/04/24
i

08/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

09/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

10/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

11/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

12/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £725.00 £15 0 Full

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Novice

15/04/2419/04/24
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15/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

16/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

17/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

18/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

19/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £725.00 £15 0 Full

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Novice

22/04/2426/04/24
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22/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

23/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

24/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

25/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

26/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £725.00 £15 0 Full

RTITB – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Refresher

29/04/24
i

29/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £145.00 £25 3

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Refresher

30/04/24
i

30/04/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £145.00 £15 2

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Experienced

07/05/2409/05/24
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07/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

09/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £435.00 £15 1

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Refresher

10/05/24
i

10/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £145.00 £15 3

AITT – B1 – Rider – Counterbalance Forklift – Novice

13/05/2417/05/24
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13/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

14/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

15/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

16/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

17/05/2024 08:30 – 16:00

08:3016:00 HL Training Centre £725.00 £15 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to your queries in our most frequently asked questions below.

How can I obtain a forklift license?

It is a common misconception that you need a forklift license to operate a forklift, as ‘forklift licenses’ simply do not exist. All you need to do to operate a forklift safely is pass a forklift operator’s course and receive a basic training certificate. In some cases, ID cards are offered alongside the certificate, which is mistaken for a ‘license’.

What is the difference between a counterbalance and reach forklift?

Two of the most common forklift machines are counterbalance forklifts and reach forklifts, each having a special purpose. Counterbalance forklifts are designed to carry heavier loads and achieve this with a heavy counterweight to the rear that ensures any weight carried is offset and prevents the machine from toppling over. This means that more weight can be carried, but the height of which is limited.

Reach forklifts are designed to lift and carry loads that counterbalance machines can’t accomplish, at extended heights and smaller aisles (maximising warehouse space). However, weight limited are more restricted.

How often should counterbalance forklift training be refreshed?

It is a legal requirement for an employer to ensure their team is fully training and competent throughout their employment to operate forklifts safely. For this reason, the HSE (in the HSG136) recommends that counterbalance courses are refreshed at least every three years to ensure the most up-to-date guidance and safety compliance.