Searching for Bendi forklift training? You’re likely working in or planning to work in a narrow aisle warehouse environment. While “Bendi” is a specific brand of articulated forklift, understanding what type of training you actually need depends on your warehouse setup and the equipment you’ll be operating.
At Result Forklift Training, we help you identify the right certification for your career goals – whether that’s reach truck training for narrow aisles, counterbalance for standard operations, or specialized equipment training.
Bendi is actually a brand name (manufactured by Linde) for a type of articulated forklift designed for very narrow aisle (VNA) warehouse operations.
Key Characteristics:
- An articulating mast that pivots left and right
- Operates in aisles as narrow as 1.6-1.8 meters
- Combines features of reach trucks and counterbalance forklifts
- Can reach heights of 12+ meters
- The truck body stays straight while forks swing to pick from either side
Common in:
✅ High-density storage warehouses
✅ Cold storage facilities (where space costs more)
✅ Retail distribution centers
✅ Narrow aisle racking systems
✅ Facilities maximizing storage capacity
Do You Really Need Bendi-Specific Training?
Here’s the important question: Are you actually going to operate a Bendi-brand articulated forklift, or do you need training in general for narrow aisle warehouses?
Most Narrow Aisle Warehouses Use:
Reach Trucks (85% of narrow aisle operations)
- Most common narrow aisle equipment in UK warehouses
- Operates in aisles 2.5-3.0 meters wide
- Reaches heights up to 12+ meters
- Pantograph or scissor reach mechanism
- What companies like Tesco, Amazon, DHL primarily use
Counterbalance Forklifts (Standard warehousing)
- Wider aisle requirements (3.5+ meters)
- Most versatile forklift type
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Foundation qualification for warehouse work
Actual Bendi/Articulated Forklifts (Specialized)
- Found in very specific, ultra-narrow aisle environments
- Less common than reach trucks
- Usually requires employer-specific training due to rarity
The Reality:
Most people searching for “Bendi forklift training” actually need reach truck training because:
- Reach trucks are far more common in UK warehouses
- Job postings typically ask for “reach truck license,” not “Bendi licens.e”
- Employers with Bendi equipment often provide on-site familiarization training after you have reached truck certification
- Reach truck skills transfer to Bendi operation with minimal additional training
Reach Truck Training: The Most Common Narrow Aisle Solution
If you’re looking for narrow aisle warehouse work, reach truck certification is what you need.
What is a Reach Truck?
A reach truck is designed specifically for narrow aisle operations with:
- Extending forks that reach forward into the racking
- Pantograph or scissor mechanism for load placement
- High lift capability (up to 12+ meters)
- Compact design for aisles 2.5-3.0 meters wide
- Seated operation with excellent visibility
Why Reach Truck Training is Essential:
✅ Most requested qualification by UK warehouse employers
✅ Higher pay than counterbalance-only operators (£26,000-£34,000)
✅ More job opportunities in logistics and distribution
✅ Transferable skills to other narrow aisle equipment
✅ Industry standard for high-bay warehousing
Reach Truck Training at Result:
We offer comprehensive RTITB-accredited reach truck courses:
Novice Reach Truck Training (3-5 days)
- Complete beginner training
- Theory and practical instruction
- High-reach techniques and safety
- Full certification upon passing
Experienced Operator (1-2 days)
- For those with reach truck experience
- Skills assessment and certification
- Formalize existing competence
Conversion Course (1-2 days)
- Already counterbalance certified?
- Add reach truck to your qualifications
- Faster route for experienced forklift operators
Understanding Narrow Aisle Equipment Types
To choose the right training, it helps to understand the different types of narrow aisle equipment.
1. Reach Trucks ⭐ Most Common
Aisle Width Required: 2.5-3.0 meters
Lift Height: Up to 12+ meters
Operation: Seated, extending forks
Best For: General narrow aisle warehousing
Training Needed: Reach Truck Certification (RTITB)
Employer Examples: Tesco, Amazon, DHL, XPO Logistics, Wincanton
2. Counterbalance Forklifts ⭐ Foundation Training
Aisle Width Required: 3.5+ meters
Lift Height: Typically up to 6 meters
Operation: Seated, front-loading
Best For: General warehousing, outdoor use, versatile operations
Training Needed: Counterbalance Certification (RTITB)
Why Start Here: Most employers prefer operators with counterbalance foundation before reach truck training
Book Counterbalance Forklift Training →
3. Articulated/Bendi Forklifts (Specialized)
Aisle Width Required: 1.6-1.8 meters
Lift Height: Up to 14+ meters
Operation: Seated, pivoting mast
Best For: Ultra-narrow aisle, maximum storage density
Training Needed: Specialized articulated training (limited providers)
Reality Check: Very few warehouses use these. Employers with Bendi equipment typically provide specific training.
4. Order Pickers / VNA Trucks
Aisle Width Required: 1.5-1.8 meters
Lift Height: Up to 14+ meters
Operation: Operator rises with the load
Best For: Order picking, manual case selection
Training Needed: Order picker/PPT certification
Which Training Do You Actually Need?
Use this simple decision guide:
Start with Reach Truck if:
- You’re applying for warehouse jobs mentioning “narrow aisle”
- Job postings ask for a “reach truck license”
- You want to work in logistics/distribution
- The warehouse has high-bay racking
- You’re changing careers into warehousing
This covers 85% of narrow aisle warehouse jobs in the UK.
Start with Counterbalance if:
- You’re completely new to forklift operations
- You want the most versatile qualification
- Job postings don’t specify a reach truck
- You might work in construction or outdoor environments
- You want foundation training before specializing
Many employers prefer a counterbalance + reach truck combination.
You need specialized Bendi/articulated training ONLY if:
- Your employer specifically operates Bendi-brand forklifts
- The job description explicitly mentions “articulated forklift”
- You’ve been asked by an employer to get this specific certification
- You’re working in ultra-narrow aisle environments under 2 meters
In these cases, contact the employer first – they often provide in-house training.
Narrow Aisle Forklift Training at Result
While we don’t currently offer Bendi-specific articulated forklift training, we provide the certifications that will get you hired in 95% of narrow aisle warehouse environments.
Our Courses:
Reach Truck Training (Most Relevant for Narrow Aisle Work)
- Full beginner training for reach truck operations
- High-reach techniques and load placement
- Narrow aisle safety procedures
- RTITB certification is recognized UK-wide
Why This is Your Best Option:
- Covers most narrow aisle warehouse jobs
- Higher pay than counterbalance-only
- Easier to find employment with a reach truck qualification
- Skills transfer to other narrow aisle equipment
Book Reach Truck Training Now →
Counterbalance Forklift Training (Foundation Qualification)
- Essential foundation for all forklift operations
- Most versatile qualification
- Required by many employers before reach truck training
- Indoor and outdoor operations
Perfect for:
- Complete beginners
- Career changers
- Those wanting maximum job flexibility
Book Counterbalance Training →
Combination Training Packages (Save Money!)
Counterbalance + Reach Truck Bundle
- Get both qualifications at a discounted rate
- More job opportunities
- Higher earning potential
- Complete narrow aisle competence
Ask about our package pricing when you enquire. (link it to the contact form)
How to Choose the Right Course for Your Goals
Step 1: Check Job Requirements
Look at warehouse job postings in your area. What do they ask for?
If most say: “Reach truck license required” → Book reach truck training
If most say: “Forklift license required,” → Start with counterbalance
If most say: “Counterbalance and reach preferred” → Book combination package
Step 2: Consider Your Experience
Complete Beginner?
- Option A: Start with counterbalance (foundation)
- Option B: Go straight to the reach truck if all target jobs require it
Already Have Counterbalance?
- Book a reach truck conversion course (1-2 days, faster and cheaper)
Already Have a Reach Truck?
- You’re good for most narrow aisle jobs!
- Only get Bendi-specific training if an employer specifically requires it
Step 3: Talk to Employers
If a job posting mentions “Bendi” or “articulated forklift”:
✅ Call and ask: “Do you provide training for your specific equipment?”
✅ Many will say yes if you have reach truck certification
✅ Some provide paid on-site familiarization for their Bendi equipment
Pro Tip: Having reach truck certification gets you in the door. Employers then train you on their specific Bendi equipment.
Why Train with Result Forklift Training?
RTITB-Accredited Courses
Industry-recognized certifications accepted by UK employers nationwide
98% Pass Rate
Our students succeed because we focus on genuine competence, not rushing through
Experienced Instructors
Learn from trainers with real warehouse and logistics experience
Modern Equipment
Train on well-maintained forklifts similar to what you’ll use professionally
Flexible Scheduling
Weekend and evening options available to fit around your work
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees – what you see is what you pay
Career Support
We help guide you toward the right qualification for your goals
Convenient Locations
Serving Peterborough, Cambridge, Northampton, Leicester, Bedford, Luton & across the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
I saw a job asking for "Bendi forklift operator" - can I apply with reach truck certification?
Yes, in most cases. Contact the employer and explain that you have reached truck certification. Many will provide Bendi-specific familiarization training if you’re otherwise qualified. Reach truck experience transfers well to articulated forklifts.
What's the difference between Bendi training and reach truck training?
Bendi is a specific brand of articulated forklift with a pivoting mast. Reach trucks are more common and use extending forks. Both operate in narrow aisles, but reach trucks are found in 85%+ of UK warehouses. Most employers use reach trucks, not Bendis.
Do I need both counterbalance and reach truck certification?
It depends on the job. Some employers want both, others are fine with just a reach truck. Having both increases your employability and earning potential. Ask about our combination packages to save money.
Can I get Bendi training anywhere?
Specialized Bendi/articulated forklift training is offered by very few providers because the equipment is relatively rare. Most employers with Bendi equipment provide their own training after you have reached truck certification.
How long does reach truck training take?
Novice courses typically take 3-5 days. If you already have counterbalance certification, conversion courses take 1-2 days.
Will reach truck certification help me get a job requiring "narrow aisle" experience?
Absolutely. A reach truck is the industry standard for narrow aisle operations. Employers looking for narrow aisle operators are almost always looking for reach truck-qualified candidates.
What pays more - counterbalance or reach truck?
Reach truck operators typically earn £2,000-£4,000 more annually because it’s a more specialized skill. The average reach truck operator salary is £26,000-£34,000 vs £24,000-£30,000 for counterbalance only.
Related Training Courses:
Expand your qualifications and increase your employability:
- Reach Truck Training – Essential for narrow aisle work
- Counterbalance Forklift Training – Foundation qualification
- Forklift Conversion Courses – Add reach truck to counterbalance
- Telehandler Training – Construction and outdoor operations
- Forklift Refresher Training – Renew expiring certificates
Save with Combination Packages: Ask about discounted pricing when booking multiple courses.
The Bottom Line on Bendi Training
If you’re searching for Bendi forklift training, here’s what you need to know:
- Most narrow aisle jobs use reach trucks, not Bendi-specific equipment
- Reach truck certification is what 95% of UK warehouse employers actually want
- Employers with Bendi equipment typically provide specific training if you have reach truck experience
- Starting with reach truck training gives you the best job opportunities and career growth
Don’t waste time searching for rare, specialized Bendi training. Get reach truck certified with Result Forklift Training and open the door to hundreds of narrow aisle warehouse jobs across the UK.
Start Your Warehouse Career Today
Book your reach truck training now and be job-ready within a week.
The logistics and warehousing sector is booming, with constant demand for qualified narrow aisle operators. Companies like Amazon, Tesco, DHL, and countless others need reach truck operators every single day.
Your career in narrow aisle warehousing starts with the right training. Let Result Forklift Training help you get there.