Legal Compliance & Safety Assurance for Agricultural & Construction Vehicles

LDM Engineering is one of the few accredited CFTS Thorough Examination providers serving the Devon and Dorset region, offering reliable certification for telehandlers, forklifts, tractors and other lifting equipment used in agriculture and construction.

 

What is a CFTS Thorough Examination?

A CFTS Thorough Examination is a legal requirement under UK health and safety legislation — including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 — to ensure that work vehicles and lifting equipment are safe to use at work. Unlike routine maintenance, a Thorough Examination is a comprehensive inspection conducted by a Competent Person and results in an official Report of Thorough Examination and CFTS certification.

This type of inspection is often compared to an MOT for lift vehicles: it checks critical mechanical and safety components including lifting mechanisms, brakes, steering, chains, attachments and more — so you can be confident your machinery is safe, legal and compliant.

 

Why CFTS Accreditation Matters

Not all inspections are created equal. CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services) is the industry-recognised national accreditation scheme developed to set a clear, uniform standard for Thorough Examinations across the UK. Its standards were established in consultation with trade bodies and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure consistency, safety and legal compliance for all equipment types, including those used in agriculture and construction.

Only companies that are officially accredited by CFTS can issue the recognised CFTS certification and stickers, giving you:

• Peace of mind that inspections meet legal requirements under LOLER and PUWER

• Independent quality assurance backed by industry experts

• Valid documentation and reporting for insurance and audit purposes

• A visible CFTS mark on site machinery that tells others the work was done to the highest standards

 

LDM Engineering — Accredited CFTS Examiners in Devon & Dorset

LDM Engineering is proud to be one of the few CFTS-accredited Thorough Examination providers operating across Devon and Dorset. This means we are trusted to deliver comprehensive, compliant safety inspections and certification for a wide range of work vehicles, including:

• Telehandlers and rough-terrain forklifts

• Agricultural loaders and tractor-mounted cranes

• Construction materials handling vehicles

• Attachments and lifting accessories

Our experienced engineers are trained and recognised under the CFTS scheme to conduct detailed examinations that cover both lifting (LOLER) regulations and general safety (PUWER) components — giving you a level of assurance many other providers cannot offer.

 

Tailored Thorough Examinations for Agriculture & Construction

At LDM Engineering, we understand the specific demands of machinery used on farms, estates and building sites:

• Agricultural machinery: Telehandlers and trailers frequently operate with attachments that must be examined separately and regularly for legal compliance. CFTS exams include checks tailored to these configurations.

• Construction vehicles: Lift trucks and handlers on building sites face heavier use and more unpredictable conditions — so we ensure inspections are thorough and equipment certified to withstand the rigours of daily operations.

Our team not only issues the official certification but also offers straightforward guidance on inspection frequency, reporting, and any required corrective work — helping you protect staff, avoid enforcement action, and remain fully compliant with UK law.

 

Why Choose LDM Engineering?

Trusted, Local & Accredited

As a CFTS-accredited examiner, LDM Engineering is uniquely positioned to offer high-standard, legally compliant certification for agricultural and construction vehicles across Devon and Dorset — standing apart from many providers who cannot offer the recognised CFTS mark.

 

Expert Guidance, Detailed Reporting

Every Thorough Examination includes a comprehensive Report of Thorough Examination, clear itemised checklists and advice on defect remediation where necessary. Your documentation is fully compliant and ready for audit or insurance purposes.

 

Flexible Service & Local Coverage

We work with farms, contractors and businesses throughout Devon and Dorset — from rural agricultural sites to busy construction locations — providing on-site examinations for convenience and minimum disruption.

 

Book Your CFTS Thorough Examination Today

Don’t leave safety or compliance to chance. If you operate telehandlers, forklifts or handling equipment on agricultural or construction sites in Devon and Dorset, choose the provider that meets the highest industry standards.

📞 Contact LDM Engineering now to arrange your CFTS Thorough Examination and certification, or to get a quote tailored to your equipment and site needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions – CFTS Thorough Examination in Devon & Dorset

 

What is a CFTS Thorough Examination?

A CFTS Thorough Examination is a detailed safety inspection of lifting equipment carried out by a CFTS-accredited Competent Person. It checks critical components such as lifting mechanisms, hydraulics, chains, forks, attachments, brakes and steering to ensure equipment is safe and compliant with UK regulations. A formal Report of Thorough Examination and CFTS certificate is issued upon completion.

 

Is a CFTS Thorough Examination a legal requirement?

Yes. Under LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998, lifting equipment used at work must undergo a Thorough Examination at specified intervals. Using equipment without a valid Thorough Examination can result in enforcement action, invalid insurance and serious safety risks.

 

How often does agricultural and construction machinery need a CFTS inspection?

Most lifting equipment requires a Thorough Examination:

• Every 12 months for general equipment

• Every 6 months for equipment used to lift people

• After significant repair, modification or accident

LDM Engineering can advise the correct interval for your specific machinery.

 

What types of equipment does LDM Engineering inspect?

LDM Engineering carries out CFTS Thorough Examinations on:

• Telehandlers

• Rough terrain forklifts

• Agricultural loaders

• Tractor-mounted cranes

• Construction handling equipment

• Attachments and lifting accessories

If your equipment lifts, carries or suspends loads, it will likely require a CFTS examination.

 

Why should I choose a CFTS-accredited examiner?

Only CFTS-accredited companies are authorised to issue official CFTS certification and markings. Accreditation ensures inspections meet nationally recognised standards and are independently audited. LDM Engineering is one of the few CFTS-accredited examiners in Devon and Dorset, giving customers confidence their certification is fully compliant.

 

Is a service or MOT the same as a CFTS Thorough Examination?

No. Servicing and MOT-style checks focus on maintenance and roadworthiness. A CFTS Thorough Examination is a legal safety inspection specifically required under LOLER and PUWER. Both servicing and Thorough Examination are important, but they are not interchangeable.

 

Will I receive documentation after the examination?

Yes. You will receive a Report of Thorough Examination, detailing inspection results, any defects found, and confirmation of compliance. A CFTS certificate and sticker are also issued where appropriate.

 

Can LDM Engineering carry out inspections on-site?

Yes. LDM Engineering provides on-site CFTS Thorough Examinations across Devon and Dorset, reducing downtime and disruption to your operations.

 

What happens if defects are found?

If defects are identified, they are clearly recorded in the report and categorised by severity. LDM Engineering can advise on required repairs and, where possible, carry out remedial work to help return equipment to a safe, compliant condition.

 

How do I book a CFTS Thorough Examination?

Simply contact LDM Engineering by phone or through the website to discuss your equipment and location. We will arrange a convenient inspection date and provide a clear quotation.