What is the Difference Between a Forklift and Telehandler Licence

Forklifts and telehandlers are two of the most common machines used across construction, agriculture, and warehousing. 

In Western Australia, a standard forklift licence (LF) allows you to operate forklifts, while a telehandler requires a separate work licence. Telehandlers under 3 tonnes can be operated with specific industry training, such as Equip-Safe’s Telehandler course. For telehandlers over 3 tonnes, you’ll need a High Risk Work Licence. The main difference between a forklift and a telehandler is that forklifts move loads at ground level, while telehandlers can extend loads at height and need additional training.

Telehandler Course (Under 3 Tonne)

What is a Telehandler?

A telehandler, or telescopic handler, is a hybrid machine that combines the lifting ability of a forklift with the reach of a crane. Its telescopic boom extends and retracts, allowing operators to move loads forward, upward, and into places a conventional forklift cannot reach.

Telehandlers are highly versatile, capable of being fitted with various attachments such as pallet forks, buckets, winches, or work platforms. They are commonly used on construction sites, farms, and industrial projects where heavy loads need to be placed at height or over rough terrain.

What is a Forklift?

A forklift is a material-handling machine designed for lifting and moving loads over short distances on stable ground. Unlike telehandlers, forklifts do not have an extending boom and are primarily used in warehouses, storage facilities, and logistics operations.

Their compact design makes forklifts ideal for working in confined spaces, such as loading docks and racking aisles. However, they lack the reach and versatility of a telehandler.

Telehandler vs Forklift: Which License Do You Need? 

Choosing between a forklift or telehandler licence depends on the type of work you’ll be doing. A forklift licence (LF) is required if you’ll mainly be moving loads at ground level in warehouses, factories, or construction environments. A telehandler licence, on the other hand, is necessary when operating a telescopic handler that lifts and extends loads at height or uses specialised attachments on construction or mining sites.

Can You Operate a Telehandler with a Forklift License? 

No, a forklift licence is strictly for operating forklifts and does not cover the operation of telehandlers. Even if you’re experienced with a forklift, the additional features of a telehandler require extra training. Relying solely on your forklift certification can lead to unsafe practices and non-compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations. What course you need to complete matters on the type of telehandler you intend to operate: 

1. Telehandler under 3 tonnes: Specific Operate Support Equipment Training. 
2. Telehandler over 3 tonnes: Specific High Risk Licence and training. 

Learn more about WorkSafe High-Risk License Requirements here. 

What Training is Required for a Telehandler License? 

To legally operate a telehandler in WA, you must complete a dedicated telehandler training course. This course covers:

• Specific Operating Techniques: How to safely manoeuvre the extended boom and adjust for variable load centres.
• Risk Management: Understanding the hazards unique to telehandler operations, including working at height and managing loads on uneven surfaces.
• Legislative Requirements: Up-to-date information on telehandler licence requirements WA, ensuring you meet all local regulatory standards.

Mattering on the height of the telehandler you are operating, you may also need additional training. Equip-Safe offers a nationally recognised Telescopic Handler (under 3 tonne GVM) course.

Learn more about Equip-Safe's telehandler course here. 

The Key Differences Between a Forklift and Telehandler

While both machines are used for lifting, they differ in design, function, and licensing requirements:

Feature	Forklift	Telehandler
Boom reach	No (vertical lift only)	Yes (telescopic boom extends & retracts)
Main use	Warehousing, logistics	Construction, agriculture, rough terrain
Attachments	Limited (forks)	Multiple (forks, buckets, platforms, winches)
Manoeuvrability	Compact, tight spaces	Larger, suited to outdoor sites
Licence Required	LF Forklift Licence	Telehandler Licence

Forklifts vs. Telehandlers: Differences in Equipment

Although telehandlers (often called telescopic forklifts or telescopic handlers) share some similarities with traditional forklifts, they are built for different tasks and come with unique operating characteristics. For example:

• Design and Operation: A telehandler’s extended reach and telescopic boom mean that it behaves differently on the ground compared to a standard forklift. This is especially important when operating a telehandler with jib attachments or other specialised configurations.
• Stability and Controls: The extended boom and variable load centre require operators to manage balance and stability far beyond what is expected when handling a forklift.

These differences mean that the skills and training for a telehandler licence or telehandler ticket are specifically tailored to address the challenges of operating such equipment.

Looking to work in the construction industry? Learn everything you need to get started here. 

Why the Additional Training Is Essential

Safety is paramount when dealing with heavy equipment. Even though a forklift licence might seem similar, the operational risks of a telehandler are significantly different. The training for a telehandler:

• Provides in-depth knowledge on handling equipment like a telehandler forklift or telescopic forklift.
• Covers unique scenarios such as managing attachments like a telehandler with jib.
• Ensures operators understand the nuances of dynamic loads and extended reach, which are not typically encountered with forklifts.

Completing this additional training not only meets legal requirements but also equips operators with the confidence and skills necessary to reduce accidents and maintain a safe work environment.

If you’re exploring other machinery licences, check out our guide on everything you need to know about Operating Support Equipment training.

In Summary

• Forklift Licence ≠ Telehandler Licence: A forklift ticket alone is not sufficient to operate a telehandler in Western Australia.
• Additional Training Required: Operators must complete a specific telehandler training course to obtain a telehandler ticket or telescopic handler licence.
• Safety and Compliance: The extra training covers the unique challenges of telehandler operation, ensuring that all operators meet WA’s telehandler licence requirements and can safely manage equipment such as telehandler forklifts, telescopic forklifts, and telehandlers with jib attachments.

If you’re currently holding a forklift licence and looking to expand your capabilities, contacting an accredited training provider is the best next step. They can guide you through the course requirements and ensure that you’re fully compliant with all regulations.