Some of the most popular forklift training courses in the industry cover four common machines: the Bendi, the Telescopic (telehandler), the Reach truck and the Counterbalance. Each one is built for a different job, works best in a different environment, and needs its own dedicated training before an operator uses it.
There are courses for both beginners and one to two day refreshers for each of these types of forklift. Most of them have an overhead guard made of metal that encloses the cab where the operator is seated or standing while driving the machine.
With advancing technology, most forklifts are now automatic, and suppliers are shifting towards more electrical based power sources for these industrial machines.
TL;DR
- Bendi (articulated) forklifts are made for pallet storage in very narrow aisles of about 1.5 metres, so they save floor space and cut double handling.
- Telescopic forklifts, or telehandlers, suit agriculture and construction, using a crane style boom with a fork or cab attachment and a load chart for every lift.
- Reach forklifts are compact warehouse trucks driven standing up, working aisles up to seven feet wide, roughly five feet narrower than a Bendi needs.
- Counterbalance forklifts carry the heaviest loads, using a dense rear weight and hydraulic tilt cylinders to balance the load out in front.
- Every truck category is a separate qualification, so an operator trained on one type still needs conversion training before using another.
- Choose the machine by the environment and load first, then arrange accredited, certificated training on that specific truck.
How do the main forklift types compare?
The quickest way to choose is to match the machine to your aisle width, your load and where the truck will work. The table below sets the four popular types side by side so you can see at a glance which one fits your site.
| Forklift type | Best suited to | Aisle and manoeuvrability | Operator position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bendi (articulated) | Pallet storage and high density racking | Very narrow aisles, about 1.5 metres, up to around eleven feet clearance where needed | Seated |
| Telescopic (telehandler) | Agriculture and construction | Reaches out and up using a boom, needs open working space | Seated cab |
| Reach | Warehouse racking indoors | Aisles up to seven feet wide, compact footprint | Standing |
| Counterbalance | Heavier loads, general handling | Needs wider aisles and turning space | Seated |
What is a Bendi forklift used for?
A Bendi forklift is used for pallet storage where floor space is tight. Its articulated design gives short turning radiuses that suit narrow aisles of approximately 1.5 metres. Because stacking is what this type of forklift is made for, it can carry loads straight from the racks without needing to handle the pallets twice, which saves both time and space. That precision is also why Bendi operators are trained specifically on articulated trucks rather than on a standard counterbalance.
Is a telescopic forklift the same as a forklift?
A telescopic forklift is closer to a telehandler than to a standard forklift, and it is mainly used for agriculture and building work. Telehandlers are machines equipped with a crane style boom and an attachment at the end, either a cab for a driver or a fork. With every load, a chart should be checked to evaluate the weight being considered for moving with the telehandler. Front outriggers can be swapped out for other attachments to reach farther or to load cargo better, which is one reason telehandler training covers attachments and load charts in detail.
What makes a reach forklift different?
A reach forklift is defined by the mast that stabilises the whole machine, making it more compact than a Bendi. The mast is a vertical piece that holds the cab and driver on one side, and the fork and lift on the other, balancing out the equipment and loads. The fork is perpendicular to the mast and extends past the front of the machine with a scissor mechanism. Because reach forklifts are designed for the operator to be standing while driving, they can be driven through aisles spanning up to seven feet, whereas Bendi forklifts normally pass through aisles up to eleven feet wide. That difference saves roughly five feet of storage space, which is why reach trucks are popular in busy indoor warehouses.
When is a counterbalance forklift the right choice?
Choose a counterbalance forklift when you need to transport the heavier loads. The back of the machine has a dense weight that literally counterbalances the load that is picked up and placed in front. These forklifts also have hydraulic tilt cylinders that attach to the lift’s mast and frame, so the mast pivots back and forth depending on how the operator is loading the cargo. It is the most familiar forklift on many sites, but its wider footprint means it needs more turning space than a reach or Bendi truck.
What does forklift training actually cover?
Today, almost all courses require the full examination and understanding of the machine being tested for, including all of the tasks that come with the operator’s daily job and the basic health and safety measures. There are more in depth courses for first aid and for dealing with hazardous materials spilling into the workspace, but those are required by certain employers or can be taken as additional education. More learning never hurts, and knowledge can always be useful in any surprise future event. As an AITT accredited training provider, AFTT delivers documented, certificated training that gives employers independent proof that an operator is competent on the specific truck they will drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular types of forklift?
Four of the most popular types are the Bendi, the Telescopic (telehandler), the Reach truck and the Counterbalance. Each is built for a different environment, from narrow aisle pallet storage to heavy general handling. Training courses are available for beginners and as refreshers for all four.
What is a Bendi forklift best for?
A Bendi forklift is best for pallet storage in very narrow aisles of around 1.5 metres. Its articulated design allows tight turns and lets the operator take loads straight from the racks without double handling. That makes it a strong choice for high density storage where floor space is limited.
What is the difference between a reach truck and a Bendi?
The main difference is space. A reach forklift is more compact and can work aisles up to seven feet wide, while a Bendi typically needs aisles up to eleven feet wide. The reach truck therefore saves roughly five feet of storage space, and its operator drives from a standing position.
Is a telehandler the same as a forklift?
A telehandler is a related but distinct machine, often called a telescopic forklift. Instead of a fixed mast it uses a crane style boom that reaches out and up, with interchangeable attachments such as a fork or a cab. Because of the boom, a load chart should be checked for every lift, and training covers attachments and load charts in detail.
What is a counterbalance forklift used for?
A counterbalance forklift is used for transporting heavier loads across a wide range of general handling tasks. A dense weight at the rear counterbalances the load carried out in front, and hydraulic tilt cylinders let the mast pivot as the operator loads. It needs more turning space than a reach or Bendi truck, so it suits sites with wider aisles.
Do I need separate training for each type of forklift?
Yes. Each truck category is a separate qualification, so an operator trained on one type needs conversion training before operating another. Training must always match the specific truck the operator will use. This keeps operators competent and helps employers meet their legal duties.
How long does forklift refresher training take?
Refresher training for these forklift types is usually a one to two day course, depending on the operator’s experience and the machine. Beginner courses run longer because they build skills from the ground up. The right length always depends on the truck type and the operator’s prior competence.
Is a forklift licence a legal requirement in the UK?
There is no government issued forklift licence, but employers are legally required under PUWER and the HSE approved code of practice L117 to ensure operators are adequately trained and competent. Accredited, documented training is how that duty is met. It also gives the employer independent proof of competence if an incident is ever investigated.
Which forklift is best for narrow aisles?
For the narrowest aisles, a Bendi articulated forklift works in aisles of about 1.5 metres, while a reach truck handles aisles up to seven feet wide. Both are designed to save storage space compared with a standard counterbalance. The best choice depends on your exact aisle width and the loads you handle.
Does forklift training include health and safety?
Yes. Almost all courses cover the basic health and safety measures alongside operating the machine and the tasks of the operator’s daily job. More in depth first aid and hazardous materials courses are available as additional training. As an AITT accredited training provider, AFTT delivers certificated training that documents an operator’s competence.
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