construction plant machinery no roofs ?

[tali1]

Why do tractors and construction plant machinery generally have no roofs?
Surely it wouldn't cost much as a basic roof would be all that is needed and give protection from rain ?

[Richard1966]

Well, lots of plant equipment and tractors do have roofs. Those that don't generally don't have them to improve visibility when driving or manoeuvring on site.

[TWR]

From what bit I done in the plant hire Tali, these types of machinery travel in some very uneven places, the can be very near on their side drawing the earth / soil or whatever near them for loading, if the machine ever tip over it gives the driver/ operator a chance to get out.

[tali1]

sorry for late reply TWR - but can these machines be operated in rain?
Doesn't the rain cause any damage to all the exposed parts?

[TWR]

Plant operate in all weather Tali depending on the driver,many years ago I done a few months on a Cat D8, there was no cab on that it was a case of SHIVER. With some they have a Cover the driver can use to stop the rain coming in, modern plant machines have cabs fitted as the electrics are very temperamental as any machine.