What category of rights does a driver need for a forklift

Working on an electric forklift, diesel, front-end: what rights are needed and how to get them?

Only experienced people who have the rights for this type of special equipment are allowed to operate forklift trucks. The certificate allows you to legally operate machines and opens up broad prospects for normal earnings, so it makes sense to try to get it. But first you need to figure out what category of rights is needed for a loader of one type or another. Let's consider this issue in more detail.

Driver license categories

The rights are classified according to the type and capacity of the trucks. So, there are 6 categories:

• A - opens for mini-loaders (warehouse) with a capacity of up to 4 kW.
• B - allows you to control tracked and wheeled vehicles, the power of which should vary within 4-25.7 kW.
• C - for wheeled vehicles. Permitted power - 25.7–110.3 kW.
• D. This category is open for machines with a capacity of over 110.3 kW.
• E - designed for loaders from 25.7 kW.
• F - for agricultural machinery.

In addition to the category of rights, the category is also of great importance for the management of forklifts. It is assigned taking into account the power of the equipment, the complexity of its maintenance:

• 2 - allows work with tracked and wagon-type loaders, vehicles for picking up objects (used for storage);
• 3 - for machines of load-gripping type, which are used in loading and unloading operations;
• 4-7. Assigned for tractor and other types of forklift trucks. The distribution is carried out according to the capacity of special equipment, on an increasing basis.

Important: the 7th grade is issued only at the highest level of qualifications and allows you to work with powerful front-end loaders from 200 kW. Such machines are capable of carrying out a large amount of heavy loading or unloading work.

The categories are regulated by a special document - the unified tariff and qualification reference book (ETKS).

Loading equipment categories

This group of vehicles is represented by a wide variety of machines. The main differences lie in the design, capabilities and type of chassis. The most common are forklifts. The characteristic difference is the pitchfork protruding from the front. Due to them, the lifting of loads is carried out. The forklift can be powered by diesel, electric or gas.

Also, the category of these types of special equipment includes:

• bucket machines. Outwardly, they resemble an excavator. The difference is that the bucket is filled while the equipment is moving. These models operate on a tractor chassis. One of the common brands of such equipment is JCB machines;
• hopper carriers. Vehicles that are used in agriculture for loading bulk cargo;
• manipulators. These are trucks equipped with a grabber. Manipulators are used for transportation, loading and unloading of goods and products. These machines are in demand in the agricultural and road industry.

Let's talk below how to get the rights to common types of special equipment and where it is used.

Frontal loaders

They belong to the varieties of special bucket equipment. They are self-propelled machines on a tractor wheelbase that carry out the operations of lifting and transporting weights, loads, bulk products. In fact, a front loader performs the functions of several machines: excavator, bulldozer, loader.

The bucket of this technique can be changed to grabs and other attachments, which expands the possibilities of use. Front-end loaders are widely used in agriculture, for earth-moving work.

To obtain a license, you will need to complete training and pass the final exam (the course lasts approx. 1.5 months). As a result, a temporary certificate is issued. The driver must pass one more exam at the training center with accreditation of Gostekhnadzor, where the license of a permanent sample is issued.

Diesel forklift license

These machines are mainly used in warehouses. They are used to transport goods.

The rights to them are valid for only 10 years, then you will need to go through retraining and pass the final exam again. Typically, a course of study lasts 3 months. After passing it, you will need to retake the exam at a training center with accreditation in Gostekhnadzor, where they issue permanent license for a diesel loader.

Features of electric forklifts

This mini transport is a quiet and clean alternative to diesel and gas vehicles. It is the electric fork models that are recommended for use in some types of industries, such as the pharmaceutical, food industry, etc. This technique, in principle, is capable of performing a wide range of works, including construction and transportation operations.

Despite the fact that electric trucks are powered by an electric drive, they still require a license as they are equipped with an internal combustion engine. The course lasts 2 months, it consists of a theoretical and practical part, after which tests are passed, and students are issued temporary certificates. They receive permanent rights after examinations in bodies accredited by Gostekhnadzor, their validity period is 10 years.

Features of paperwork

Important: only centers that have a state license have the right to train forklift drivers and issue them certificates.
After completing the training, drivers must confirm their skills at the local branch of Gostekhnadzor (pass an exam).
When entering the training center for courses in order to obtain the rights to the forklift, you will need to write an application and hand in photocopies of your passport and code. This is the minimum set required for mutual settlements.