Normandy I agree with your comments. Most regulations for operator training require the companies to provide "simulated" training experience for the jobs the operator will be performing for the company & in the environment they will be working. It would be impoosible to produce a simulation for all the many and varied work enviroments there are as well as the various types of lift trucks (foot/hand) controls.

The basic principles of operation of a small (counter balanced type) unit and a larger capacity units unit are very similar. Larger capacity units have greater issues of visibility for the operator and the load handling becomes a bit more complex - paper rolls, conatainers, concrete, granite slabs, etc, etc.