Counterbalance vs Reach Truck: Which Forklift Licence Should You Get?

Getting a forklift licence is one of the best investments a warehouse or industrial worker can make. But with different types of forklift, which should you train on first? The two most common types are counterbalance and reach truck, and each has different uses, working environments, and career implications.

Counterbalance Forklifts

The classic forklift. The weight at the back of the truck counterbalances the load on the forks at the front.

Characteristics

• Can operate indoors and outdoors
• Available in electric, diesel, and LPG versions
• Lifts loads directly in front — no need for special aisle configurations
• Used in manufacturing, loading bays, yards, and general warehousing
• Can handle heavier loads — typically 1.5 to 5 tonnes
• Easier to learn — the driving position is intuitive

Where Counterbalance Is Used

• Loading and unloading lorries at docks
• Outdoor yard work — moving pallets between buildings or to storage areas
• Manufacturing — feeding production lines with raw materials
• General warehousing with wide aisles
• Construction sites — moving materials around the site

Reach Trucks

Designed specifically for narrow-aisle warehouse racking. The forks extend forward (reach) to place and retrieve pallets from high racking.

Characteristics

• Indoor use only — usually on smooth, flat warehouse floors
• Electric powered
• Operator stands or sits sideways in the cab
• Can lift to much greater heights — typically 8-12 metres
• Works in narrow aisles — 2.5-3 metres compared to 3.5-4 metres for counterbalance
• Requires more skill — precise positioning at height

Where Reach Trucks Are Used

• Large warehouses with high racking
• Distribution centres
• Third-party logistics (3PL) operations
• Any operation where storage density is important

Which to Learn First?

Our recommendation:

• Counterbalance first if you work in manufacturing, loading bays, or mixed indoor/outdoor environments. It is the more versatile licence and the foundation for other forklift types
• Reach truck first if you specifically want to work in large warehouses and distribution centres. Reach truck operators are in high demand and often earn more
• Both if you can afford the investment. Having both licences makes you significantly more employable and gives you access to the widest range of roles

Training Details

• Novice course — 3-5 days for either type. Cost: £300-£600
• Experienced operator — 1-2 days for conversion or refresher. Cost: £150-£300
• Certification — usually valid for 3 years, after which a refresher is required

Pay Comparison

In the South West in 2026:

• Counterbalance operator — £12.50-£15.00/hour (agency), £24,000-£30,000 (permanent)
• Reach truck operator — £13.00-£16.00/hour (agency), £25,000-£32,000 (permanent)
• Multi-licence operator — £14.00-£17.00/hour (agency), £27,000-£34,000 (permanent)

TRS Recruit has constant demand for forklift operators across the South West. We can also advise on training providers and sometimes arrange funded training for reliable candidates. Contact your nearest branch to discuss options.