Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A qualified forklift operator must inspect forklifts at the start of every shift. East Midlands Forklifts can provide daily check sheets for your equipment.

No. Certification will only cover an operator for the piece of equipment that they have undergone training for. For instance, a counterbalance licence will not cover an operator for the operation of a reach truck.

Yes. East Midlands Forklifts is a fully accredited company under the ITSSAR (Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register), and all training courses adhere to the National Standards.

Yes. Operators must be over the minimum school leaving age of 16 unless they are operating in dockyards, where the age requirement is 18 or over.

No. A driving licence for a car is not needed unless forklifts are being driven on the road.

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Pedestrian forklifts are battery powered and come equipped with chargers that plug into the mains power supply.

Pedestrian forklifts come with lift capacities of up to 2 tonnes.

Operators must be over the minimum school leaving age of 16 unless they are operating in dockyards, where the age requirement is 18 or over. The person must be deemed competent and must have completed sufficient training on the unit. The site operator is responsible for the training and appointment of suitable persons.

This depends on the dealership, but most Toyota dealers will provide a certified-used program that offers limited warranties on guarantees for used equipment.

Longevity and value are core values here at East Midlands Forklifts, with some customers having used their forklifts for more than 20 years and counting. By opting for one of our used forklift brands, such as Toyota, you will be increasing your chances of owning a forklift that will serve you well for years.

When you consider buying a used forklift from a reliable dealer, several factors will play a part in what you purchase and how. Buying a used unit may mean you can afford more than you could if you were buying brand new, based on how the unit is configured and what options it has.

Although a Thorough Examination for a forklift truck is like an MOT test for a car or lorry, it is not valid for a set period of time. This is because different operational conditions can impact how quickly some important components wear out. For example, the wear on a truck being used in cement works is very different to that of a truck in a standard warehouse.

A Thorough Examination is a statutory requirement for lifting equipment under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 98), Regulation 9. It has the same purpose as an MOT inspection by providing a report that identifies that the lifting equipment is safe to use, and/or advice that needs to be followed to avoid risks in use. It is just as important as an MOT – probably more so! There is a legal requirement for a Thorough Examination to be carried out on forklift trucks at least once a year, and often more frequently depending on conditions of use.

Some insurance inspections are Thorough Examinations and some are not. It is important that employers know the difference. It is the employer who is legally responsible for making sure that Thorough Examinations are carried out in accordance with LOLER 98.

Under Health and Safety guidelines, operators of forklifts must undergo retesting at regular intervals of 3-5 years.

Yes. On-site training can be very useful in helping operators become familiar with the working environment. There must also be sufficient room given for practical off-job training.

Yes. PUWER Regulations 1998 state that “all persons who supervise or manage the use of work equipment have received adequate training for the purpose of Health and Safety”.

At this moment in time, the maximum number of trainees that can attend a course is three.

No. However, the operator must have an orientation with each unit, carried out by a competent operator.

There are a number of factors that need to be considered when choosing a forklift. You must take into account your site conditions and what that will require of the unit. Get in touch with us today to discuss your unit requirements with one of our team.

No, the construction of a car battery is not suitable for use in forklifts. Forklift batteries are deep cycle – this allows the batteries to be discharged and recharged many times throughout their lifespan.

No, most electric forklifts are not designed for use in wet weather.

Yes, most models are suitable for container entry.

Yes, traction batteries can be hired. Most hire terms include a charger and maintenance. Call us for more details.

The charger required will depend on the size of the battery and this will determine the power supply that is needed. Chargers operate from mains power and the size will be dependent on whether it is single or three phase.

The performance of an electric forklift is similar to that of an engine powered unit.

Electric forklifts are powered by deep cycle batteries that can be recharged with a compatible battery charger that is powered from mains power.

Taking into account the weight of the load being lifted, the heavier the load means the lower the lift. Various forklifts can lift between 3000mm & 10000mm, dependent on your needs.

25 tonne lifting capacity is the largest forklift that is currently available.