sivan w:

Google: FORKLIFT WORK PLATFORMS and you should find several U.S. manufacturers.

Ensure the work platform you choose meets ANSI/ITSDF specifications.

sivan w:

Google: ITSDF.ORG for a free copy of ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks courtesy of the Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation.

You should review:

4.2 Modifications, Nameplates, Markings, and Capacity (all) especially 4.2.3: "If the truck is equipped with a front-end attachment(s), including fork extensions, the user shall see that the truck is marked to identify the attachment(s), show the weight of the truck and attachment combination, and show the capacity of the truck with attachment(s) at maximum elevation with the load laterally centered )," ITSDF

4.17 Elevating Personnel (all) especially 4.17.3 (o): "The combined weight of the platform, load, and personnel is not to exceed one-half of the capacity as indicated on the nameplate of the truck on which the platform is used." ITSDF

7.37 Platforms: Elevating (all) especially 7.37.4 (b): "Hydraulic or pneumatic hoisting systems shall include means to prevent unintended descent in excess of 0.6 m/s in event of a hose failure." ITSDF

If you are considering the work platform for normal production order picking, you may want to consider an order picker type truck which only requires one operator and is designed to perform such activity.

Small items (S.I.)=non full capacity loads (N.F.C.L.) LOl

Apparently, many forklift have overhead guards that are rated at 16,000 ft-lbs. A pallet falling from 8' high, the OHG's strength would support 2000lbs.=small item.

Towmotor definitely wins out. And all those who use the term towmotor don't even know that Towmotor was a forklift brand.

A safey cage is a platform, equipped with guard rails, required to elevate a person.

An overhead guard is a grill-like structure which is incorporated into the lift trucks, to prevent small items from striking an operator.

When the proper terminology is used, it definitely avoids confusion!

Hi all

Two points: The guard abve the driver in almost all cases is not a rollover guard (the mast prevents rolovers occurring) but a guard to prevent injury from falling objects when the forklift is being operated at height. In some cases people should review the guard from a safety perspective. And the tinned food industry is one of those. Can a heavy 1 kg or more tin fall from a pallet, especially in the pre-cartin stage, and through openings in the overhead guard. If so you need to install some mesh or acrylic sheet to remove that risk. I appreciate than numbers of manufactrurers have acrylic inserts/sheet that prevent any objects getting through the guard.

And the workcage: Buy one that complies with the ISO or other standards - but also read the standards and make yourself aware of the other requirements when workcages are being used. For example ISO / Australlian standards require:
For counterbalance forklifts the lated capacity of the forklift must be 1800 kg or 5 times the total weight of the workcage, plus workers, plus tools and other materials. And for reach truck the figures are 1000 kg or three times;
THe mast tilt control must be mechanically locked out;
The driver must stay at his post for the full time prople are in the cage; et cetera

So its not just the design of the workcage that is the issue

yes, etharp, you're correct. I didn't make it very clear but we're looking for the fork add-on cage , not the driver's cage.
But thank you Dangerous for reiterating to us all the safety hazards associated with aftermarket alterations tot he driver's cage.

Please for Safety sake do not consider going down this track.
Retro fiting a guard to a forklift is a minefield & an area you should think about seriously before you go there.
Manufactures supply canopies / guards as a standard part after roll testing.
By retro fitting a guard to any unit you are assuming the obligations & responsibilities of the manufacturer.

Realize that you can be held responsible in the event of an accident.
I suggest you contact the manufacturer & change your plans before you invite personal litigation.

Give me a call and I'll send you a quote for our new forklift work platform/safety cage. Full featured and secure. HD and fully galvanized for the food industry. 281-992-2006, Houston, TX