Forward Tip Tracked Dumper Training

Complete beginners: 3 days (full training from basics)

Experienced wheeled dumper operators: 2 days (focusing on track steering and terrain)

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (test only). If you're unsure which applies, we offer a free practical assessment to advise the best route.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've got wheeled dumper experience or have operated tracked machines, we can shorten the training (2 days) or advise whether you're ready for the Experienced Worker Test.

A09 (wheeled): Faster on hard surfaces, better for road work and firm ground

A09B (tracked): Superior on soft ground, mud, steep slopes, and challenging terrain. Lower ground pressure prevents sinking.

If you're working on groundworks, drainage, or wet sites, A09B is what you need. The tracks distribute weight and provide traction where wheels would spin or sink. These are separate qualifications—you need both if you want to operate both types.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction and civil engineering sites.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A09B and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).

The EWT is a one-day test-only route for people with significant recent experience on forward tip tracked dumpers. You need to be confident you can pass both theory and practical tests without training.

Be realistic: If you're borderline, it's smarter to do 2 days of training and go in prepared. Fail the EWT and you'll have to start over with full training.

We offer a free practical assessment to help you decide if you're EWT-ready.

Because track steering is fundamentally different from wheeled steering:

• Differential steering: You control left and right tracks independently, not a steering wheel
• Zero-radius turns: Tracks can pivot on the spot, creating different spatial awareness requirements
• Ground damage risk: Incorrect turning technique can tear up ground or damage tracks
• Slope operation: Track orientation on slopes affects stability in ways wheels don't

The A09B proves you understand these differences and can operate safely on challenging terrain.

Tracked dumpers excel on soft, muddy, or uneven ground where wheeled dumpers struggle:

• Better traction: Tracks grip on mud, clay, and waterlogged terrain
• Lower ground pressure: Wider weight distribution prevents sinking
• Slope capability: Handle steeper gradients more safely
• Precision placement: Forward tipping into trenches and confined spaces

However, they're slower than wheeled dumpers on hard surfaces and require more maintenance. Choose based on your typical site conditions.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong—whether it's track steering technique, forward tipping precision, or safety awareness. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested.

Next steps typically involve:

• Additional practice time on weak areas (track steering is a common challenge)
• Further training if necessary (charged separately)
• Booking a re-test when you're properly prepared

Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying), or use Apprenticeship Levy for NVQ costs
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.

Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time in the cab mastering track steering.

You'll train on forward tip tracked dumpers suitable for typical site work. These are well-maintained machines from our own fleet (not hired-in kit), giving you realistic experience of what you'll encounter on construction and groundwork sites.

No. A09 (wheeled) and A09B (tracked) are separate qualifications. You need to pass both if you want to operate both types. Many operators do both courses to maximise their versatility on site and increase earning potential.

Tracked dumper operators must complete pre-use inspections before each shift, with additional attention to track-specific items:

• Track condition: look for damage, excessive wear, or missing components
• Track tension: check for correct tension (too loose or too tight affects operation)
• Sprockets and rollers: inspect for wear or damage
• Hydraulic systems: check for leaks, especially skip operation
• Brakes and controls: test before moving off
• General walkaround: damage, leaks, fluid levels

If you identify defects, you must report them and take the machine out of service until repaired. Our training includes thorough instruction on track-specific pre-use checks.

Tracked dumpers are designed for challenging terrain that wheeled dumpers can't manage:

• Soft, waterlogged ground (drainage sites, wet weather)
• Mud and clay (groundworks, excavation sites)
• Steep slopes (up to manufacturer-specified limits)
• Uneven terrain (rough ground, rutted surfaces)

However, there are limits. Our training emphasizes ground condition assessment—knowing when conditions are too soft or slopes too steep for safe operation.