The Difference Between LO and LF Forklift Licences in Australia
If you’re looking to operate a forklift in Australia, you’ll need the right licence. The two main types of forklift licences are the LF (Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck) and the LO (Licence to Operate an Order Picking Forklift Truck). While both involve operating forklifts, they cover very different types of machines and have separate training requirements.
What is an LF Licence?
The LF licence allows you to operate a standard counterbalance forklift or a reach truck. These forklifts have a fixed driver’s seat and are commonly used in warehouses, manufacturing, and construction.
With an LF licence, you can operate:
- Counterbalance forklifts (the most common type of forklift)
- Reach trucks used in narrow warehouse aisles
- All-terrain forklifts used in construction and outdoor worksites
What you cannot operate with an LF licence:
- Order pickers or machines where the operator is lifted with the load
What is an LO Licence?
The LO licence allows you to operate an order picker forklift, also known as a stock picker. Unlike standard forklifts, order pickers lift the operator along with the load, requiring different controls and safety procedures.
With an LO licence, you can operate:
- Order pickers used in warehouses and retail stockrooms
- Turret trucks, which work similarly to order pickers
Key Differences
| Feature | LF Licence (Forklift) | LO Licence (Order Picker) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Machine | Counterbalance & Reach Forklifts | Order Pickers & Turret Trucks |
| Operator Position | Fixed in a seat | Lifted with the load |
| Common Workplaces | Warehouses, Construction, Manufacturing | Warehouses, Retail Stockrooms |
| Can Operate Order Pickers? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Can Operate Standard Forklifts? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
If you’re looking for more job opportunities, having both LF and LO licences can make you more versatile and employable in warehouses and logistics.