Minimum Performance Criteria for Falling Object Guards for Excavators
This SAE Recommended Practice applies only to excavators, as defined in ISO 6165, working above ground, near an excavated or free-standing bank or mine face which is higher than the top of the cab, or in demolition applications of free standing buildings or objects higher than the top of the cab.
The evaluations are for resistance to penetration of guards to the point of infringement of the deflection limiting volume (DLV; refer to SAE J397). The performance requirements of a representative specimen (that is, within the manufacturer's specifications) are based on the performance of proven structures under laboratory evaluation procedures.
The areas protected include the top of the operator station (top guard), for protection from falling objects, and the front of the operator station (front guard), for protection from objects which approach the front of the cab.