Operator Training

Training Categories

Distinction is made between different types of attachment, capacity of the loader, remote controlled loaders and various specialist applications (e.g. static mount, etc). Categories are in place due to the individual skill requirements needed to operate these types of loader crane safely and efficiently.

For example, if an operator is trained and certificated in the use of only a hoist attachment (category 2), they should not be permitted to use other attachments until conversion training has been undertaken. Likewise, a certificated operator who is trained on the use of lorry loaders with a capacity of up to 20tm, is not to use a lorry loader with a capacity greater than 20tm, as conversion training will first be required.

Categories	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
a	Electric or hand powered up to 1tm using hook attachment	Electric or hand powered up to 1tm using hoist attachment	Electric or hand powered up to 1tm using special attachment	N/A	N/A	Electric or hand powered up to 1tm using pallet attachment	Electric or hand powered up to 1tm using auger attachment
b	*Up to 4tm using hook attachment	*Up to 4tm using hoist attachment	*Up to 4tm using special attachment	*Up to 4tm using clamshell attachment	*Up to 4tm using brick grab attachment	*Up to 4tm using pallet attachment	*Up to 4tm using auger attachment
c	Up to 20tm using hook attachment	Up to 20tm using hoist attachment	Up to 20tm using special attachment	Up to 20tm using clamshell attachment	Up to 20tm using brick grab attachment	Up to 20tm using pallet attachment	Up to 20tm using auger attachment
d	Above 20tm using hook attachment	Above 20tm using hoist attachment	Above 20tm using special attachment	Above 20tm using clamshell attachment	Above 20tm using brick grab attachment	Above 20tm using pallet attachment	Above 20tm using auger attachment
e	+e = with Remote Control	+e = with Remote Control	+e = with Remote Control	+e = with Remote Control	+e = with Remote Control	+e = with Remote Control	+e = with Remote Control
f	Specialist

* Typically defined as a loader crane with a rated capacity of less than 1,000kg or a maximum net lifting moment of less than 40,000Nm.

Note - It is important to remember that training is ongoing throughout the operator’s working life. Therefore, operators should always be familiarised when moving from one type of lorry loader to another.