MidColumbia Forklift Blog

Rainy Day Fix: Forklift Weather Enclosures

Written by Dan Livingston | March 28, 2025 at 10:34 PM

People in the Pacific Northwest don’t use umbrellas. Umbrellas are for tourists. When it rains—and it often does—you put on a rain jacket and get on with your day. That’s how locals do it. We don’t fight the rain. We move through it. It’s just part of life here.

And that’s exactly how it should feel when operating a forklift in the rain. Smooth. Unbothered. Business as usual.

Why Weather Protection Matters

Forklift weather enclosures aren’t about escaping the rain. They’re about working with it—keeping your team comfortable and your equipment protected while the world keeps turning. Here’s how they make outdoor work feel effortless, no matter the forecast.

1. Operator Comfort

Rain is only miserable if you’re unprepared.

A rain shell. A sturdy pair of boots. And for forklift operators, a weather enclosure that turns a soggy shift into just another workday.

Without it, drivers end up distracted—shivering, squinting through raindrops, constantly brushing water off controls. And a distracted operator is a less productive one.

Enclosures don’t just keep people dry. They keep them focused.

2. Protecting Your Investment

Would you leave your car windows down all winter?

Of course not. Even the toughest interiors can’t withstand months of rain, snow, and sun. Forklifts are no different.

Weather enclosures shield your equipment from the elements, preserving the controls, seat, and electronics. The result? Lower maintenance costs, fewer repairs, and better resale value.

It’s simple protection for an investment that works hard every day.

3. Safer, Smarter Operations

When rain pours down, people get creative.

We’ve seen it all—tarps tied to the overhead guard, cardboard taped to the sides, plastic bags stretched across controls. The problem? These quick fixes obstruct visibility, present a risk to operators (by being shatter resistant) and violate OSHA standards.

Proper weather enclosures are different. Made from clear polycarbonate, they block rain without blocking the view, keeping operators safe, aware, and productive.

No DIY solutions. Just reliable protection that works as smoothly as a rain jacket on a morning walk.

Choosing the Right Forklift Enclosure

Outfitting your forklifts with weather protection is as easy as choosing the right jacket for the season. Here are two trusted options.

Clark Rain Caps

Order rain caps directly from the manufacturer when you purchase your forklift. Made from ultra-tough SG polycarbonate—250 times stronger than glass—Clark Rain Caps channel rain away while maintaining full visibility. These are easy to install and do not require a technician. 

ProEnclosures Aftermarket Cabin Enclosures

Need all-around coverage? ProEnclosures are a low cost way to provide full-cab protection—front, sides, and back. These transparent, impact-resistant enclosures block rain, snow, and wind without fogging up. They’re also compatible with heater and wiper kits, keeping operators comfortable no matter the weather.

Your Weather Solutions Partner

Rain isn’t a reason to slow down. Not here.

Just like PNW locals stroll through a drizzle without a second thought, forklift operators can glide through rainy days with the right protection. No squinting. No shivering. No cardboard taped to the overhead guard.

At Mid Columbia Forklift, we help you work with the weather—not against it. Whether you need Clark Rain Caps, ProEnclosures, or expert advice, we’ll find the perfect solution for your fleet.

Let’s make rainy days just another workday.

To learn more about forklift weather protection or to request a quote, contact us online or visit one of our locations.

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

Further Reading
What’s the Value of a Used Forklift?
Product Review: Clark SE25 S-Series Electric Forklift
Forklift Modifications and OSHA – What You Need to Know