This side loader lift truck course is designed for both novice and experienced operators. Learners who meet the specific outcomes and assessment criteria will be permitted to operate a sideloader lift truck up to the rated capacity stipulated on the competence certificate.
Entry requirements
Candidates must be 18 years and over, holders of a Grade 7 certificate or equivalent qualification and a Code B national driver license if operating on national roads.
For any queries regarding the requirements and conditions of sideloader lift truck training, contact our skills development advisor for more information.
Materials handling and lifting operations training
Side loader lift truck operator training
Lift truck (forklift) operator training
Course content
Mechanical appreciation of side loaders
We discuss operator maintenance areas, traction battery, electrical system, gauges, the fuse holder and fuses, wheels, differential, etc., and how these all allow the side loader to function. We also go through fault diagnostics and driving the sideloader lift truck correctly.
Refuelling
We take learners through safety procedures, battery pack, the traction battery, servicing a battery, replacing the battery pack, positioning the sideloader lift truck, preparation for removing the battery, lifting the battery, testing a recharged battery, placing a recharged battery and filling in fuel usage logs.
Pre-operating inspections
We look at pre-operating inspections, components, inspection areas and sideloader lift truck checklist.
Start-up checks and inspections
Start-up and in-cab checks and inspections, setting the driving position, pre-start check of the controls, starting of the sideloader lift truck, checking of the lifting controls and functionality, checking of the ancillary equipment and of the driving controls.
Side loader lift truck safety
We discuss pre-operating, start-up, driving and shutdown safety precautions; relationship between load and stability of a sideloader lift truck, load chart rating, the principle of leverage, position of the load; hazardous cargo, container loading and refuelling safety; driving on public roads, emergency services, general housekeeping, safety legislation and use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
Side loader operator controls and manoeuvring
We talk about manoeuvring/clearance, towing, using the horn, observation, manoeuvring through a practice course with and without a load, and hand signals.
Loading, off-loading and stacking with a side loader
We outline storage areas, store layouts, stacking methods, pallets, handling interlocking cage and bin pallets, block-steel and sheet steel, bar steel, pipes, channel/angle iron and hazardous material stacking.
Handling cargo
We show learners best practice concerning handling cargo with pictorial markers, lifting and transporting, hazardous cargo, safety signs, drum attachments, clamping a paper roll and other attachments.
Assessment methods
We conduct a formative theoretical assessment at the beginning of the course to gauge the learner’s initial understanding (novices only). At the end of the training, a summative theoretical and practical application assessment is conducted, to find if the learner is competent; if not, additional developmental areas are identified and suggested.