Evaluation of ROPS and FOPS Tests for Structural Integrity of Forklifts

This study examines the Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) tests and their results for forklifts. The main focus of the study is the evaluation of the cabin safety of a forklift with a lifting capacity of 3.5 tons. Within this scope, the compliance of the protective structures with the international standards ISO 3471 and ISO 3449 has been thoroughly analysed. In the ROPS tests, the applied force and energy values under lateral, rear, and vertical loading conditions were calculated; the test setup, the applied loads, and the resulting deformations in the structure were investigated. Furthermore, in the FOPS test, the required energy levels were evaluated, and the results of the tensile tests conducted to verify the mechanical integrity of the fasteners (bolts) after the impact test were presented.