Driving a reach truck can seem intimidating at first glance, especially with its tall mast, narrow chassis, and precise controls. But with the right training, understanding, and practice, most operators quickly gain confidence and proficiency. Whether you’re considering operating one for a warehouse job or just curious about the skill involved, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the difficulty level, skills required, and training process for driving a reach truck.

Understanding the Basics of a Reach Truck

A reach truck is a specialized warehouse forklift designed for narrow aisles and high stacking. Unlike standard counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks have an extending mast that “reaches” into racking, allowing operators to handle loads in tight spaces.

Differences from a standard forklift:

Mast Reach Function: The mast extends forward to place or retrieve pallets.

Side-facing Seat or Standing Position: Many models require you to look sideways while steering.

Electronic Steering: Often more sensitive and precise.

Higher Lift Heights: Commonly up to 10–12 meters.

These differences mean that while a reach truck is not physically harder to drive, it does require more precision, awareness, and balance control compared to a counterbalance forklift.

How Difficult Is It?

For someone who has never operated warehouse equipment, the learning curve can feel steep in the first few hours. The main challenges include:

Steering Orientation: You steer from the side rather than head-on, which can be confusing.

Load Stability at Height: Pallets can sway at higher lift levels, requiring careful mast control.

Operating in Narrow Aisles: Maneuvering with only inches of clearance on each side demands precision.

Visibility: The operator must rely on mirrors, mast position indicators, and sometimes cameras.

That said, most people with proper instruction can master basic reach truck operation in 2–5 days of training and gain full confidence within a few weeks of daily use.

Training and Licensing Requirements

In many countries, you must be certified to operate a reach truck. Certification usually involves:

Classroom Training: Covering safety rules, load capacity, and equipment features.

Hands-on Practice: Learning to start, steer, lift, lower, and park safely.

Safety Assessments: Proving competence in hazard awareness and load handling.

For example, in the U.S., OSHA requires employers to provide specific training for each type of powered industrial truck, including reach trucks. In the UK, RTITB or ITSSAR certification is standard.

Tip: Even if you already have a counterbalance forklift license, you may still need separate training for a reach truck due to its different controls.

Skills That Make It Easier to Learn

If you have the following abilities, you’ll likely find reach truck operation less challenging:

Good Spatial Awareness – to judge distances in narrow aisles.

Patience and Attention to Detail – to avoid racking or pallet damage.

Hand–Eye Coordination – for precise mast control.

Calm Under Pressure – especially when lifting heavy loads to high shelves.

Like riding a bike, once you “get it,” the skills become second nature.

Final Verdict: Is Driving a Reach Truck Hard?

Short answer: Not really—if you’re trained correctly.

It’s more about precision than power. Once you adjust to the sideways driving position and sensitive steering, most operators find reach trucks enjoyable to drive, especially in modern warehouses with smooth floors and clear aisle layouts.

With the right mindset, a bit of patience, and proper instruction, driving a reach truck is a manageable skill that can open up valuable job opportunities in logistics and warehousing.