A clear view of TVH’s range of windshields and glazing
Whether machines such as forklifts, small earth-movers or telehandlers are operated outdoors or indoors, high-quality windshields and other glass panes are vital in keeping everyone safe. Not only do they protect the operator from conditions outside the cabin, but they also ensure that he has a clear view of the working environment. That is why TVH offers a wide range of glass solutions for all types of machines, including material handling, construction, agricultural and industrial equipment. This extensive scope of market-specific window solutions directly results from several meaningful partnerships.
The importance of high-quality glazing
Quality glazing provides several benefits to the machine, the operator and the people working in the proximity of the machine:
Visibility
High-quality windshields and glazing improve the visibility of the machine operator by providing optimum clarity without distortion or visual impairment. This allows the operator to keep an eye on the working environment and everything that is going on in it, including obstacles or people (inadvertently) walking in front of the machine. High visibility also ensures that he can operate the machine in the safest and most efficient way, resulting in less downtime.
Safety
Windshields and glazing help to protect those working around the machine, but they are just as important for the safety of the machine operator. High-quality glazing will always have some degree of shock resistance, which means it will assist in protecting the operator from possible workplace hazards such as loose debris, dust and rocks.
Protection
When a machine is often used outdoors, it will inevitably be exposed to weather elements such as rain, wind or snow. In this case, well-manufactured glazing acts as a barrier to protect the operator from these external conditions. During the summer months, it helps to keep the air-conditioned cabin at an acceptable working temperature.
Choosing the right glass type
When a machine needs a new windshield or other glazing, choosing a suitable replacement is crucial. This means getting a window that perfectly fits the cabin’s make and model, but also selecting the most suitable type of glass. Regarding glass type, the main choice is between laminated (layered) glass, tempered glass and polycarbonate. There are five main differences between these three types.
 Glass makeup |  Breakage pattern |  Glass strength |  Sound insulation |  UV protection | |
Laminated (layered) glass | Composed of two or more layers of glass bonded together with an interlayer (typically made of PVB) | Cracking lines will show in case of cracking or splintering, but the glass remains intact because the interlayer holds the broken fragments together | Strong, but is generally less strong than tempered glass | Greater protection from external sounds because the interlayer suppresses some sound transmission | Superior protection against UV rays because a portion of them are blocked by the interlayer |
Tempered glass | A single sheet of glass that is heated to extremely high temperatures and then cooled rapidly to increase its strength | Breaks into thousands of harmless little pieces, which reduces the risk of injury | Is generally stronger because of the thermal treatment during production, which increases its impact (shock) resistance | Less protection from external sounds than laminated glass | Less protection against UV rays than laminated glass |
Polycarbonate | A type of thermoplastic with a durable structure, good flame-retardant properties and chemical resistance | Virtually unbreakable (the downside is that the operator is technically stuck in the cabin as he cannot break the glass) | High impact resistance and mechanical strength, with a special scratch-resistant coating | Better protection against external noise than glass | Less protection against UV rays than glass, but this can be improved with an additional coating |
However …
While the front windshield needs to be laminated by law, it is important to note that one type is not better than the others. Each glass type has its own advantages, which may be decisive in certain situations. Therefore, the decision as to which of the three should be considered should be based on the guidelines of the original equipment manufacturer, the characteristics of the particular work application and its requirements.
The key role of partnerships
Building on years of experience, TVH can provide high-quality windshields and glazing for all types of material handling, construction, agricultural and industrial equipment. These glass solutions are suitable for all major makes and models and can be used in a variety of working conditions.
TVH can offer such a wide range of glazing thanks to meaningful partnerships with strong market leaders who have their own specific expertise in glazing.
CAB Glazing Services
Founded in 1980, CAB Glazing Services (CGS) has almost 45 years of experience in equipment glazing. The company started as an installation service, carrying out glass repairs to construction equipment on-site. But by the mid-1990s, glass was becoming more complex, and focusing solely on installation was no longer viable. So, CGS began to stock more and more of its own products. Today, the company offers windshields and glazing for small earth-movers, large earth-movers, telehandlers, agricultural equipment, etc. They have many glass solutions in stock but also produce safety glass to order.
In November 2022, TVH established a partnership with CAB Glazing Services. This partnership helps CGS further establish its position as a specialist glazing supplier and grow its business. It also enhances the company’s ability to deliver the right glass solution, both in its home market of the UK and across mainland Europe.
GDI
Based in France, GDI has over 40 years of experience as a manufacturer and supplier of windshields and glazing. They specialise in glass solutions for agricultural equipment and small earth-movers, but can also supply products for other machine types such as forklifts, telehandlers, bulldozers, etc. Recognising the overall importance of safety in all working environments, but especially in agriculture and construction, they pay particular attention to developing high-quality glass products. Every step of the production process is monitored, and quality checks are carried out at every stage to ensure that all glazing meets expectations.
GDI was acquired by TVH in 2016, and the two companies have been close partners ever since. In 2019, GDI even became Bepco’s leading supplier of all windshields and glazing for agricultural equipment.
Wissink Trading
With more than 30 years of experience, Wissink Trading has built up a solid reputation as a supplier of glass solutions. The company specialises in producing, delivering and installing windshields and glazing for all makes and models of small earth-movers, but its activities range much further than that. They stock glass products for other machines – such as telehandlers, tractors, rough terrain forklifts, rollers, bulldozers, tower cranes, etc. – and also produce custom-made glass. Whatever requirements a customer has for a specific working situation, Wissink Trading will always try to find a suitable solution.
Wissink Trading is based in the Netherlands and delivers its products to the Benelux, Germany, and other European countries. To get their products to even more customers, the company has been a partner of TVH since April of 2023.
Looking for windshields and glazing?
- Click here to read more about our range of windshields and glazing.
- Visit our online shop to order windshields and glazing for material handling, construction, agricultural and industrial equipment.
- Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
About the authors
This blog post is brought to you by your construction equipment marketing team.
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