Project Type: Custom Steel Fabrication and Cab Protection
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Timeline: 3 weeks, from measurements to final installation
Heavy demolition can expose excavator operators to falling debris and other unpredictable hazards. For one of our customers, the existing cab protection was not enough for the conditions their machine faced every day.
They came to Thompson Repairs looking for a stronger, specifically designed solution for the excavator. In this case study, we explain how our team created a custom cab guard that improved operator protection without sacrificing visibility, access, or performance.
The Challenge: Improving Cab Protection While Maintaining Visibility
One of our customers needed better cab protection for an excavator used in heavy demolition. Falling debris was an ongoing concern, but in this case, any added protection also had to preserve the operator’s visibility and access to the machine.
A standard bolt-on guard was not the right fit for the job. The customer needed a heavier-duty solution built specifically around the excavator’s cab and the conditions it faced on demolition sites.
The guard had to provide solid coverage without creating unnecessary blind spots. It also needed to fit cleanly around the cab so the operator could continue working safely and efficiently without feeling boxed in or restricted.
How Thompson Repairs Built a Custom Cab Guard For This Excavator
We started by taking precise measurements of the machine and then fabricated a custom guard system specifically for that excavator. The guard was built to withstand demanding jobsite conditions while still allowing easy access for routine maintenance and daily operation.
As a Jacksonville-based custom metal fabrication shop, we design solutions around the actual equipment rather than relying on a generic template.
The project included:
- Custom steel fabrication
- MIG welding, part of our broader industrial welding services
- Protective cab guard fabrication
- Fit-up and installation
- Surface prep and finishing
The goal throughout was to improve operator safety and protect the cab from debris damage, without limiting visibility or interfering with the machine’s normal operation. Maintenance access was also a priority in the design, since a guard that blocks routine service points can create more downtime than it prevents.
The project was completed in about 3 weeks, from measurements to final installation.
The Result: A Heavy-Duty Cab Guard Built to Fit
The customer was very happy with the finished guard. It fit exactly as they wanted, and they appreciated both the heavy-duty construction and the clean fit around the cab.
That heavy-duty construction was an important part of the final result. Standard bolt-on guards are typically designed to fit a range of machines, which can limit how closely they match a specific cab or application. By fabricating a guard specifically for this excavator, we created a stronger, better-fitting solution for the demanding conditions it faces in demolition work.
This project shows how a guard built around the actual machine can make a meaningful difference in both operator protection and day-to-day usability, especially for equipment used in harsh working environments.
Need a Custom Cab Guard for Your Equipment?
If you’re running equipment in demanding environments and a standard, bolt-on guard isn’t providing the protection or fit you need, a custom-built solution may be a better long-term option.
Contact Thompson Repairs today to discuss a custom cab guard build for your machine.