Discussion:
Training's for Class 4 and Class 7 Forklifts

Recently I've had several companies inquire about getting a forklift license that applies to both Class 4 and 7. They said since they are both forklifts a class 4 training will apply equally to a class 7 license. In the past my company has had a separate training for the 4 and the class 7 forklifts. Is this right?

The reason I give the companies is that although there are some similarities, a class 4 and class 7 operate differently therefor they require different instruction.

I have not found a specific answer online, and left a message with OSHA but have not heard anything back. Your comments are much appreciated!!
  • Posted 30 Dec 2014 02:35
  • By craig_w
  • joined 11 Nov'14 - 5 messages
  • Ohio, United States
Showing items 1 - 1 of 1 results.
Operator training must be class specific. A class 7 (rough terrain) lift truck can be very different and used in very different environments than a standard warehouse forklift. They can have extendable booms requiring boom angle and extension to factor into rated capacities. They can have frame level, locking rear oscillating axles, multiple attachments, traversing boom mounts, high or low boom mounts, multiple steering modes, axle traction controls, special load and unload procedures and multi-speed transmissions. They require special site specific training concerns and special operational techniques. I have included both in the same classroom. There are some common rules that apply to both. With the classroom and two separate hands-on evaluations with a standard group of 8-10 it took me 6 hours.
  • Posted 9 Jan 2015 05:19
  • By tjoldman
  • joined 28 Jan'11 - 14 messages
  • Ohio, United States

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