---
title: 3 Money-Saving Reasons to Buy a Forklift Cab Cover or Enclosure
description: Using cardboard as a forklift roof is dangerous. A professionally made forklift rain cover or forklift cab enclosure keeps operators safe and productive
---

[Lilly Forklift Blog ](https://www.lillyforklifts.com/blog)

# [3 Money-Saving Reasons to Buy a Forklift Cab Cover or Enclosure](https://www.lillyforklifts.com/blog/forklift-cab-covers)

 Written by [John Wofford](https://www.lillyforklifts.com/blog/author/john) | Jan 3, 2025 1:21:15 PM

Do you know which U.S. city receives the most rainfall? It’s not Seattle. It’s Mobile, Alabama (tied for first place with New Orleans). The second rainiest city is Huntsville, Alabama. Two other cities in the Mid-South also rank in the top ten: Memphis (seventh) and Nashville (ninth).

*Here’s where I’m going with this…*

I’ve heard managers say, “I don’t care if my operators get wet or get sweaty. They know the work conditions when they apply for the job.” Fair point, but that doesn’t mean operators like getting drenched or being baked by the sun.

To reduce discomfort, operators will sometimes add a cardboard “roof” to the forklift to block the sun and rain. Unfortunately, that cardboard is a hazard because it blocks the operator’s view once the load goes above a certain height.

Professionally-made forklift roofs and cabin enclosures are a simple way to keep operators comfortable without compromising safety. There are different options depending on the forklift make and model.

## Forklift Cab Covers and Cabin Enclosures

**A polycarbonate overhead guard cover** is an affordable way to block rainfall. Some manufacturers offer tinted models that reduce glare from the sun while maintaining visibility. Adding a roof to your forklift can also protect the operator from falling debris.

The next step up is a **polycarbonate forklift cabin enclosure**. Cab enclosures typically include hinged doors and both front and rear windshields. When ordered from the factory at the same time as your forklift you can get:

- Windows 
- Doors that lock
- Heat and/or air conditioning

A **steel forklift cab** provides maximum protection from weather, dust and debris, but they can’t be retrofitted. You have to order the steel cab at the same time as the forklift. They include the same features and options as polycarbonate cabs and also have:

- Front and rear washer/wiper systems
- Locking doors
- Glass windows
- A fan
- Heater/defroster and optional A/C

If you own a Toyota forklift, we can retrofit your lift truck with a roof panel, side curtains and/or windshields You can find a list of compatible models on the [TuffCab product page](https://lifttruckstuff.com/product/tuffcab-forklift-panel-cab-enclosure/).

## 3 Reasons to Buy a Forklift Cab Cover or Enclosure

Certain applications must use enclosed cabs, typically operations where the work environment is very hot or very dirty. But there are other reasons to invest in a forklift cab enclosure.

Operator Comfort  
Trying to work with the sun in your eyes or rain dripping on your face is no fun. When operators are comfortable, they’re more productive.

Protect the Interior  
Do you plan on selling your forklift down the line? A forklift cabin enclosure can reduce damage to the interior. 

Safety  
An enclosed cabin protects operators from falling objects and can minimize noise — allowing operators to hear important messages over the radio or alarms alerting them to a pedestrian. 

Inexpensive cabin enclosures that are basically a plastic poncho — should be  avoided at all costs. They may keep out the rain, but they also fog up and provide little protection from debris. Purpose-built forklift roofs and cabin enclosures:

- Don’t obstruct visibility
- Don’t rattle
- Can increase the value of  your forklift

### Forklift Cab Covers for Toyota, Clark, Komatsu and Linde

Investing in a forklift rain cover or cabin enclosure shows your hardworking operators you value their comfort and safety. As my mom always said, “you’ll never regret being kind.”

We can retrofit most [Toyota](https://lillyforklifts.com/product/equipment/new/toyota-equipment/) forklifts and can help you choose the best cabin cover or enclosure for [Clark](https://lillyforklifts.com/product/equipment/new/clark-new-equipment/), [Komatsu](https://www.lillyforklifts.com/komatsu-forklifts), [Linde](https://lillyforklifts.com/product/equipment/new/linde-material-handling/) or Toyota forklift. [Contact a forklift expert](https://lillyforklifts.com/contact/) at The Lilly Company online or by phone 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-5926) with any questions you have, or visit us at one of our [13 locations](https://lillyforklifts.com/corporate/locations/) across the Mid-South.

Arkansas - Jonesboro  
**Alabama** - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery  
**Mississippi** - Belden and Richland  
**Tennessee** - Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, and Memphis

Related Reading   
[Seat Belts and Other Forklift Safety Accessories](https://www.lillyforklifts.com/blog/fasten-your-seat-belts-forklift-safety-accessories)  
[Top 4 Forklift Operator Bad Habits](https://www.lillyforklifts.com/blog/forklift-driver-operator-bad-habits)  
[Pallet Rack Safety: Protect Your Employees and Investment](https://www.lillyforklifts.com/blog/pallet-rack-safety-protect-your-employees-and-investment)

[View full post](https://www.lillyforklifts.com/blog/forklift-cab-covers)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "John Wofford"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-05-19T11:57:30.246Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-01-03T13:21:15Z",
  "headline" : "3 Money-Saving Reasons to Buy a Forklift Cab Cover",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 933,
    "url" : "https://7750754.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7750754/3-Money-Saving-Reasons-to-Buy-a-Forklift-Cab-Cover.png",
    "width" : 1400
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.lillyforklifts.com/blog/forklift-cab-covers",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/7750754/The_Lilly_Company_2020/images/logo.png",
      "width" : 119.631905
    },
    "name" : "The Lilly Forklift Blog"
  }
}
```