Forklifts are essential for moving materials throughout warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and outdoor work areas. But when forklifts are used in rain, snow, wind, or other challenging conditions, operators and equipment can benefit from additional protection.
Forklift forkshields and forklift enclosures are attachments designed to help protect forklift operators and equipment from the elements. These accessories can be especially useful for businesses that regularly move materials between indoor and outdoor areas or operate forklifts outside.
What Is a Forklift Forkshield?
A forklift forkshield is a protective cover designed to help shield the forklift operator and controls from rain, snow, and other weather conditions.
The Forklift Forkshield available from A Plus Warehouse is made from 16 mil double-polished vinyl and is designed for protection from rain and snow. It features a UV inhibitor to help protect the material from sun exposure and has durable, watertight construction. The forkshield is also designed for easy installation and offers a universal fit for forklifts.
Forkshields can be useful for forklifts that frequently operate outside, particularly around loading docks, lumber yards, construction areas, manufacturing facilities, and other locations where weather can affect daily material handling operations.
What Is a Forklift Enclosure?
A forklift enclosure provides a more enclosed working area around the forklift operator. Instead of simply shielding the operator from above or from certain directions, an enclosure can provide additional coverage from rain, snow, and falling debris.
The Atrium Forklift Enclosure from A Plus Warehouse uses super-clear double-polished vinyl and attaches to the forklift in seconds. Its zippered doors can be closed for additional protection or unzipped and folded back while the forklift is being operated.
The Atrium Forklift Enclosure is available in three sizes:
- Standard: 6,000 lb. capacity
- Large: 8,000 lb. capacity
- Extra Large: 12,000 lb. capacity
Forkshield vs. Forklift Enclosure
While both products are designed to provide protection during forklift operation, they serve slightly different needs.
A forkshield is a straightforward option for protecting the operator and forklift controls from rain and snow. It can be a practical choice when you need basic weather protection without fully enclosing the operator area.
A forklift enclosure provides more coverage and can be useful when forklifts regularly operate in harsher weather conditions. The zippered doors on the Atrium enclosure allow operators to close the enclosure when protection is needed or open it up when additional airflow or accessibility is preferred.
Benefits of Forklift Weather Protection
Adding weather protection to a forklift can provide several practical benefits for material handling operations.
Protection From Rain and Snow
Outdoor forklift operations can expose operators to precipitation throughout the year. Forkshields and enclosures help create a barrier between the operator and the weather.
Protection From Falling Debris
Forklift enclosures can also help protect the operator from certain types of falling debris, making them useful in outdoor work environments where materials or debris may be present.
Better Visibility
Clear vinyl construction allows operators to maintain visibility while gaining protection from the elements. The Atrium Forklift Enclosure uses super-clear double-polished vinyl for this purpose.
Easy Installation
When equipment needs to be used throughout the year, accessories that can be installed quickly can make it easier to adapt a forklift to changing working conditions. The Atrium enclosure is designed to attach in seconds, while the Forkshield is designed for easy installation.
Where Are Forklift Forkshields and Enclosures Used?
Forklift weather protection can be useful in a variety of material handling environments, including:
- Warehouses with outdoor loading areas
- Distribution centers
- Manufacturing facilities
- Construction sites
- Lumber yards
- Outdoor storage facilities
- Shipping and receiving areas
- Agricultural and industrial facilities
If your forklift spends part of the workday outside, a forkshield or enclosure can help provide additional protection when weather conditions change.
Choose Forklift Accessories for Your Application
Forklift attachments can help businesses adapt their material handling equipment to specific tasks and working environments. When forklifts are regularly exposed to rain, snow, and outdoor conditions, a forklift forkshield or enclosure can provide useful weather protection for operators.
A Plus Warehouse offers both the Forklift Forkshield and Atrium Forklift Enclosure as options for protecting forklifts during outdoor operations.
Check out our Forklift Enclosure!
