Forklift Simulator Version 2

forklift simulator

Our new Forklift Personal Simulator Version 2 puts trainees at the controls of a typical sit-down, counterbalance factory forklift with rear-wheel steering. We also have a Reach Lift Truck Personal Simulator so you can train people to operate both kinds of lift trucks with our help.

Scenarios are typical of transportation service centres, factories, warehouses, and distribution centers, with a wide variety of loads and storage arrangements, along with truck bays for loading and unloading and a flatbed truck outside.

Designed to provide even more flexibility when training operators with different levels of skill, Version 2 introduces new and modified Simulation Modules to encourage safer operation practices and maximize productivity. The new modules feature exercises for driving in reverse with tall loads, and five new "Loading Docks" modules to work with loads of different sizes in double rows, and stacked and unstacked, to maximize cube utilization.

You can use three displays in front to create a field of view of 180 degrees, along with a fourth display behind, to teach people to turn their heads when backing up.

And unique to us, all you need is one off-the-shelf computer! You can either use your own PC or choose the convenience of our PC bundle with the software already installed, licensed, and ready to go in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese.

operator chair for the forklift simulatorOur Forklift simulation software is configurable, to reproduce the many different kinds of real forklifts. Three different power system options are available: Internal Combustion (gas-powered), and two versions of Electric. (Different simulator controls are required for each option, and the simulated forklift will also operate differently.) Use three or four levers, or even two joysticks, in addition to a steering wheel, transmission control lever, and pedals.

Now use 4 Displays (or just one)
You can now use three forward-looking big screen displays to look:

    • to the left
    • straight ahead
    • to the right
    • creating a field of view of 180 degrees.
    (You can still use one display if space is limited)

Software description

The forkift simulator is instructionally designed to maximize trainee learning. It begins with simple tasks and progresses to sessions where they learn best practices for handling more complex tasks. This forklift training simulator consists of seven simulation modules of increasing difficulty:

  • Controls Familiarization
  • Slalom 1, for driving forwards with standard loads
  • Slalom 2, for driving forwards with oversized loads
  • Slalom 3, for driving in reverse with extra tall loads
  • Ramp Driving, for driving forwards and backwards up and down ramps, with and without loads
  • Loading Docks 1 - Loading/Unloading Single Rows
  • Loading Docks 2 - Loading Double Rows
  • Loading Docks 3 - Unloading Double Rows
  • Loading Docks 4 - Loading Double Rows, with Stacking
  • Loading Docks 5 - Unloading Double Rows, with Stacking
  • Loading Docks 6 - Loading, to Maximize Cube Utilization
  • Selective Pallet Racks 1 - Low Shelves, to work with loads lower down on the factory floor and the first shelf
  • Selective Pallet Racks 2 - Mixed Shelves, to also work with loads higher up on the second and third (top) shelves
  • Working with Drive-In / Drive-Through Racks
  • Working with oversized loads and Cantilever Racks and a Flatbed Truck, positioned outside

Trainees can progress at their own pace without supervision.

Innovative visual aids help trainees to learn effectively

When training to become a forklift operator, trainees need to become accustomed to their machine's blind spots, caused by the large mast to the front and the ROPS (rollover protective structure) supports on either side of the operator's seat. Learning to do so is critical to properly approaching, lifting and carrying loads.

The forklift simulator has an ingenious solution to this challenge: For viewpoints from inside the cabin, the forklift mast and cabin frame can be displayed as either opaque (like a real forklift) or semi-transparent, to improve the visibility of the forks and the area in front of the forklift, including loads, racks, and obstacles. An "overhead map" presents the position of the forklift, the loads to be moved, and their target positions, to make it possible to plan the work to be done. You can even change the point of view during the simulation using buttons on the simulator controls, keyboard keys, or the PC's mouse.

Another set of visual aids helps trainees accurately determine the locations of the pallet forks and corners of loads in 3-D space. As the trainee moves the forks and load, small green squares called "visual indicators" are projected onto nearby surfaces. This helps trainees accurately position them.

An "overhead map" can be displayed in one corner of the screen, which presents the position of the forklift, the loads to be moved, and their target positions. This "picture within a picture" view helps trainees to plan their work during forklift simulations. Other external viewpoints can be selected during simulations using buttons on the simulator controls, keyboard keys or the PC's mouse.

Video Demonstrations of the Forklift Version 2 Simulator

These video clips illustrate the capabilities of the forklift simulator:

Slalom 3
Selective Pallet Racks 1
Loading Docks 6
Cantilever Racks and Flatbed Truck

Tracking results

Key "Performance Indicators" measure how quickly and how carefully the simulated work is performed. With 49 Performance Indicators, feedback is diagnostic, instead of just a consolidated pass/fail score. They include execution time, average and maximum driving speeds (forwards and backwards), measurements about how precisely loads are picked up and put down (errors in orientation, centering, etc.), and counting many kinds of collisions (forks, loads, shelves, etc.).

A variety of incorrect operating conditions will trigger "Procedure Errors", such as driving "out of bounds". Finally, conditions related to safety receive special attention: a forklift overturn condition, or a load falling from a pallet or a shelf, will trigger "Fatal Errors" and the simulation immediately stops.

Simulation results are automatically saved on the PC, along with data about any procedure and fatal errors. To simplify record keeping, a database product called Simulation Manager is available; the same database can be used with all of the simulators VISTA sells.

Software pricing

Please contact us for pricing of a commercial software license for the forklift simulator. Even small accidents due to inexperience can cost thousands of dollars in replacement parts and downtime on an actual forklift - far in excess of your investment in this training tool.

The forklift simulator represents an excellent training value and helps improve the safety of your forklift operators and the people who work in close proximity to them. Consider it a priceless investment in the health and wellness of your workers.

Contact us for more information

For more information about this forklift simulator, please contact us at 800-942-2886 or 262-514-2886 or via e-mail at info@vista-training.com.