Telehandlers are often asked to do double duty on UK sites: shift pallets all day, then handle a slung load when a crane is tied up. That is where the CPCS split between A17E and A77 matters. One is an endorsement to run suspended loads on a conventional telehandler; the other is a dedicated 360 slew telehandler category with crane-like capability. Knowing the difference keeps the lift legal, the load stable and your name out of the incident book.
TL;DR
/>
– A17E covers suspended loads on a conventional, non-slew telehandler; A77 is for 360 slew telehandlers with crane-style duties.
– Use a lift plan, a competent slinger/signaller and in-date lifting gear for either route.
– Keep suspended loads low and controlled; wind and travel speed are the common failure points.
– Choose A77 when you need slew, greater reach control or stabilisers-managed lifts; use A17E for simple pick-and-carry within limits.
Myth 1: An A17E ticket lets you do anything an A77 can
/>
Myth: If you have A17E, you can handle any suspended load a telehandler can pick up.
Reality: A17E is an add-on for a conventional telehandler to allow basic suspended loads under close control, usually pick-and-carry with the boom fixed in line. A77 covers a 360 slew telehandler with different geometry, stabiliser options, duty charts and crane-like behaviours. If the task demands controlled slewing, complex radius changes or stabilised lifting, A77 competence is the expectation.
Myth 2: A 360 slew telehandler removes the need for planning
/>
Myth: Because an A77 can slew and set up like a crane, you can just “get it done”.
Reality: The ability to slew increases complexity, not reduces it. An A77 operator must understand on-tyres vs on-stabilisers duties, radius limits, slew restrictions, wind effects and ground bearing. A lift plan, route control, a slinger/signaller and appropriate supervision remain standard practice.
Myth 3: A slung load is fine without endorsement if it is only moved a short distance
/>
Myth: If it is a quick trundle from one end of the slab to the other, normal telehandler rules cover it.
Reality: The moment you hang a load from a hook, chain or attachment, you have a suspended load with different dynamics. Site policy will normally expect the A17E endorsement for that operation on a conventional telehandler, or use of an A77 if slewing or stabilised lifting is part of the plan. If you are moving pallets, use forks; if it has to be slung, use the right competence and controls.
Myth 4: Outriggers mean you can reach “a bit more”
/>
Myth: Dropping stabilisers on a 360 telehandler makes borderline lifts fine.
Reality: Stabilisers change the duty chart; they do not magic away radius, wind or load shape. Dynamic effects from booming out, micro-movements while slewing and the load’s sail area all bite quickly. You work within the rated capacity for the exact setup, with the lift kept smooth and the exclusion zone enforced.
What to do instead
/> Treat suspended loads as lifting operations, whatever the machine type. Match competence to the task: A17E for basic suspended moves on a conventional telehandler; A77 for 360 slew operations where slewing and stabilised lifting are required. Build a simple lift plan proportionate to the risk, confirm in-date thorough examinations for lifting accessories, and brief the operator and slinger/signaller together. Set a clear route with segregation, agree communication signals and pace the job to the slowest element. If wind, ground or visibility changes, pause and reassess rather than press on.
Here is a realistic site picture. A housing site is late on roof trusses after rain closed the crane. The site manager wants a telehandler to reposition two trusses from the laydown to plots 12–14 before the scaffolders leave. The weather is gusty, the access road is tight and there are bricklayers working near the route. One operator has A17 with the E endorsement; another has A77 and is familiar with the 360 machine on hire. After a quick review, they scrap the idea of slewing over the plots in the wind and instead choose the A17E for a low, slow escorted carry with wider exclusion. The slinger/signaller controls each move, banks pedestrians, and the team pauses twice for gusts. It takes longer than hoped, but trusses arrive undamaged and no one is pushed into a risk corner.
– Pre-lift checklist for suspended loads on telehandlers
– Confirm operator card: A17 with E endorsement for conventional telehandler, or A77 for 360 slew
– Check machine configuration matches the duty chart: tyres vs stabilisers, attachment fitted and locked
– Inspect lifting gear and hook attachment: in-date thorough examination, correct WLL, secure captive hook
– Walk the route: ground condition, gradients, overheads, wind exposure, turning radius
– Set and brief the exclusion zone and communication signals with the slinger/signaller
– Keep the load low, centred and steady; control speed and stop if wind or visibility worsens
# Common mistakes
/>
– Treating a slung load like a pallet. The dynamics are different and small jolts can topple stability.
– No slinger/signaller. The operator cannot see everything or manage pedestrians alone.
– Guessing the weight or radius. Unknown loads and “just a bit further” are where tip events live.
– Ignoring wind. Long, light or sheeted loads behave like sails and can overpower the machine.
What to watch
/>
– Category clarity on cards: supervisors should check the actual endorsements present, not just “telehandler” on a card.
– Attachment controls: fork-mounted hooks and winches need familiarisation and paperwork; ad-hoc chains around forks are a red flag.
– Competence drift: operators who rarely do suspended loads should have a short refresher or yard practice before live tasks.
– NPORS equivalence: NPORS offers comparable categories and suspended-load options; the same planning and supervision standards apply on site.
– Weather calls: make wind, visibility and ground state part of the go/no-go briefing, not an afterthought.
Bottom line: A17E keeps conventional telehandlers within safe suspended-load limits; A77 turns a 360 telehandler into a controlled lifting tool when used with planning and discipline. Choose the right ticket, plan the route, and let the slinger/signaller run the lift.
FAQ
# Do I need A17E to travel a slung load a short distance on forks?
/> If the load is suspended from a hook or chains, good practice is to use an operator with the suspended loads endorsement on a conventional telehandler. Some sites may allow very limited moves under strict control, but many principal contractors now expect clear evidence of the correct endorsement. Always confirm site policy before starting.
# When should I insist on an A77 operator instead of A17E?
/> Choose A77 when the plan involves slewing with the load, setting up on stabilisers, working at longer radii or positioning with crane-like precision. The 360 machine has different behaviours and duty charts that A77 operators are trained to understand. If in doubt, escalate to the lift planner or supervisor to confirm the correct machine and competence.
# What will an assessor typically look for on suspended-load tests or verifications?
/> Assessors usually expect solid pre-use checks, correct attachment fitting, load chart awareness and calm, smooth control. They look for good communication with a slinger/signaller, proper route planning and evidence that you can stop the job if conditions change. Rushing, poor signalling and casual use of lifting gear are common fail points.
# What paperwork should be in place before moving suspended loads?
/> Have a proportionate lift plan, risk assessment and method statement suitable to the task, plus evidence of in-date thorough examination for lifting accessories and the attachment. A site briefing with the operator and slinger/signaller should agree the route, exclusion and signals. Keep documents accessible to the supervisor and anyone auditing the lift.
# How often should operators refresh their suspended-load competence?
/> Refresher needs vary by employer policy and how often the task is performed. If an operator has not handled suspended loads for a while, a short yard-based refresher or mentoring session before live work is wise. Formal renewals typically follow the card scheme’s cycle, but site rules may require earlier upskilling after long gaps or incidents.
