What You Need to Become a Rough Terrain Forklift Operator in Australia

rough terrain forklift in Perth

There are many types of forklifts available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. Rough terrain forklifts are one type of forklift designed for use in off-road or difficult environments. If you’re considering operating a rough terrain forklift in Perth, there are a few things you need to know.

The Difference Between a Standard Forklift and a Rough Terrain Forklift

A standard forklift is designed for use on paved surfaces, such as in a warehouse or distribution centre. They are not meant to be driven on rough terrain, because doing so can damage the machine.

Rough terrain forklifts, on the other hand, are designed specifically for use in off-road environments, which is why they are also called an “all-terrain fork truck.” They have large tyres that can handle uneven terrain, and they are equipped with four-wheel drive for added traction.

Requirements to Become a Rough Terrain Forklift Operator in Australia

To become a rough terrain forklift operator in Australia, Nara training says that you need the following:

  • National High-Risk Work License (HRWL)
  • Training and assessment by a WorkSafe assessor at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

That being said, when seeking employment, most employers will require you to have a valid forklift license and experience driving a forklift. If you don’t have a forklift license, there are many training and vocational qualification courses available that can teach you the skills you need to operate a rough terrain forklift.

In Australia, all forklift operators must have a current valid license. There are two different classifications of licenses available:

  • Order Picking Machine License, or LO, for stock picker forklifts.
  • Forklift License, or LF, for all types of forklifts (except for those under an LO classification) such as all-terrain fork trucks, counterbalance forklifts, high reach forklifts, side-lifting and truck-mounted ones.

To be eligible for a forklift license, you must be 18 years of age or older, basic written and verbal English skills, and 100 points of identification like having a valid driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, etc. You will also need to pass a written test and a practical driving test.

The Opportunities for an All-Terrain Fork Truck Operator

Rough terrain forklifts are used in a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, landscaping, and logging. If you’re looking for a job as a rough terrain forklift operator, there are many opportunities available.

Some of the career opportunities include:

  • Construction site worker
  • Farm worker
  • Landscaping worker
  • Logging worker
  • Warehouse worker

Apart from these, there are many other opportunities available for rough terrain forklift operators. With the right training and experience, you can find a job that suits your skills and interests.

Why Becoming a Rough Terrain Forklift Operator Can Be a Good Career Choice

There are many reasons a rough terrain forklift operator can be a good career choice. Rough terrain forklifts are in high demand, and the job market is expected to grow in the coming years. According to Seek, the median salary for a rough terrain forklift operator is $60,000 per year, and there are more than 16,000 forklift operator jobs available in Australia at the moment.

Operating a rough terrain forklift, or any fork truck in general, can be a rewarding career. Not only do you get to work in a variety of industries, but you also get to work outdoors and in some of the most beautiful places in Australia.

Contact us today or visit our blogs if you want to learn more about rough terrain forklifts!