Multi-directional Lift Truck

Multi-directional lift trucks are the ultimate solution for handling long, awkward, or heavy loads in highly restricted warehouse aisles and timber yards. Because they can instantly switch from standard forward/reverse travel to sideways "traverse" mode, they offer unmatched maneuverability. However, this complex steering geometry—combined with the unique hazards of carrying wide loads—makes them incredibly dangerous in untrained hands.

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Description

Course Overview

This comprehensive training program is essential for operators working in timber merchants, steel fabrication yards, manufacturing plants, and high-density warehouses.

Delivered either at our 84-acre Huddersfield training facility or directly at your depot using your own racking systems, this intensive course bridges the gap between standard forklift driving and complex, multi-directional load handling. Candidates will master the unique steering, driving, and braking controls across all travel modes. The training heavily emphasizes identifying the truck's specific center of gravity, assessing longitudinal and lateral stability, safely handling long loads in traverse mode, and safely executing high-level stacking into pallet racking.

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion, candidates will be fully competent in:

Legislation & Risk Assessment: Understanding legal obligations under PUWER, LOLER, HASAWA 1974, and the L117 Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated Lift Trucks.
Pre-Operational Precision: Conducting thorough daily checks on the mast, carriage, chains, wheels, and hydraulics in accordance with the manufacturer's handbook.
Manoeuvring & Stability: Safely changing from one steering/travel mode to the other (e.g., forward/reverse to traverse). Candidates will learn to negotiate 90° turns and chicanes safely, laden and unladen, while managing severe lateral and longitudinal instability risks.
Lifting & Stacking: Using hydraulic controls smoothly at height to bulk stack and de-stack loads. This includes placing long loads safely into racking systems at ground, eye, and high levels.
External Transport: Safely loading and unloading external flatbed lorries and trailers, including assessing vehicle capacities, weight distribution, and communicating effectively with the visiting lorry driver.
End of Shift: Re-fuelling or placing the truck on charge, safely parking with the forks fully lowered, applying the parking brake, and completing proper shutdown and isolation protocols.

Course Durations & Eligibility

Novice Course Duration: 5 Days (37.5 hours) to allow for the intensive "seat time" required to master the complex multi-directional steering and racking alignment.
Existing, Untrained Operators: 3 Days (20 hours) for operators who have basic experience but lack formal certification.
Class Ratio: Maximum 3 Learners : 1 Instructor : 1 Truck.
Refresher / EWT: A 1-day (7.5 hours) assessment is available for up to 3 experienced operators who require formal NPORS ticket renewal.

Testing & Certification

Candidates must pass an NPORS theoretical examination containing 25 questions (requiring an 80% pass mark). They must also pass a strict practical assessment. The practical test requires candidates to navigate a tight chicane in varying travel modes, safely stack and destack at high, eye, and low levels, and demonstrate flawless traverse driving with a long load.

Upon successful completion, candidates will receive an NPORS Operator Card and certificate endorsing them for Multi-directional Lift Truck (N135)