How well can a transparent overhead guard cover protect a forklift’s driver?

19 August 2025

To answer this question, Cat® Lift Trucks has issued details of the rigorous tests its optional polycarbonate roofs have passed. In summary, both its transparent options and its standard OHG roofs with bars meet the stringent ISO 6055 standard. 

Polycarbonate roof options are available on Cat® 1.6 to 2.5 tonne reach trucks, including four-way models. They are also offered in the company’s 1.4 to 2.0 tonne, 2.5 to 3.5 tonne and 4.0 to 5.5 tonne electric counterbalance ranges. 

Their transparency allows an unobstructed view of the forks and loads when handling at height. This is an important aid to precision and safety. At the same time, they prevent both large and small falling objects from hitting the driver. Items such as screws, bolts and nuts can pass through the bars of conventional OHGs and cause injury. Similarly, packages landing on the bars may fall apart and shower the driver with their contents. 

The rigorous testing required for international standard ISO 6055 includes: 

  • A dynamic test to prove that the guard can withstand repeated impacts without significant deformation. A 300 mm wooden cube, weighing 45 kg, is dropped ten times on the OHG.
  • An impact drop test to prove the guard’s durability when struck by a large load. This is simulated by dropping a length of 50 x 100 mm construction-grade timber board onto the OHG. Its minimum weight is specified according to the truck capacity. For example, it must weigh at least 1.36 tonnes for forklifts with a rated capacity of 2.5 tonnes or above. 

Cat® Lift Trucks emphasises, again, that both its standard OHGs with bars and its polycarbonate options meet the strict ISO 6055 standards. 

The transparent roofs are also of a high quality in terms of scratch resistance. Furthermore, in the event of a major accident or other circumstance causing damage, they can be easily replaced. Their quick and inexpensive replacement process restores the OHG to its original factory-assembled strength. 

For further information on Cat reach trucks and electric counterbalance forklifts, along with their many options, visit our Product section.

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Polycarbonate roof options are available on Cat Reach trucks
Clear upward vision – with no compromise on driver protection. As seen on Cat NR16-25N3(H)(S)(X) reach truck (pictured) and NRM20-25N3 four-way reach truck ranges. Also on Cat EP14-20(C)N2(T), EP25-35A(C)N and EP40-55(C)N(H) electric forklifts.