Can Damaged Windows on Heavy Equipment Be Repaired?

Craftsman Auto Glass • June 11, 2025

Heavy Equipment Glass Replacement: What You Need to Know

When one of our pieces of heavy equipment suffers damage, it can put an entire job on pause until the damage is repaired. This is especially true for the windows and windshield of that heavy equipment, as they are, in many cases, the first line of defense when it comes to operator safety.

But replacing windows and windshields costs money, and heavy equipment is more prone to glass damage because of the environments it’s used in—like quarry work. So, as the owner or manager of heavy equipment, you want to repair it first if you can. And that’s completely understandable.

In this blog, we’re going to discuss when a window on heavy equipment can be repaired and when a replacement is the better route to take.

When Can a Damaged Window on Heavy Equipment Be Repaired?

When an auto glass technician inspects the damage on your heavy equipment, they’ll be looking for the following:

Visibility

Does the damage block or impair the operator’s visibility? If so, then you’ll probably have to replace the window. When the operator’s view is impaired, their level of safety drops drastically.

Size

How large is the damage? Is the chip smaller than a quarter, or is the crack shorter than a dollar bill? These are some of the ways professional auto glass technicians determine whether the damage to your heavy equipment can be repaired or if the entire pane of glass needs to be replaced.

Location

If the damage is on the windshield and near the edge, you’ll probably need to have it replaced. Much of the structural integrity of the heavy equipment’s cab depends on the glass. This applies to all motorized vehicles. When the damage is near the edge of the windshield, the structural integrity is compromised much more than if it were centered.

What is the Repair Process for Damaged Windows on Heavy Equipment?

When the damage meets all the requirements, the auto glass technician you hired will clean the damaged area and inject it with a special resin. Then, they’ll use a UV light to cure the resin so it gains strength. Once it’s dry, the technician will polish down any excess resin, and you’ll never know a chip was there.

When is Replacement Necessary for Damaged Windows on Heavy Equipment?

If the damage is too large or located near the edge, you’ll likely need to replace the entire window. It’s also worth noting that windshields differ from side or rear windows. Windshields are made of layers, so if the damage penetrates those layers, it becomes difficult to repair.

Additionally, much of the technology that enables your Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is embedded near—and sometimes in—the windshield. If sensors or cameras have been compromised, the windshield can’t be repaired; it must be replaced.

Timing is Essential

The most important takeaway is to have the window damage on your heavy equipment inspected as soon as you notice it. Small chips become huge cracks, especially when exposed to extreme temperature changes or bumps. The longer you let damage sit, the shorter your window of opportunity is to repair the glass instead of replacing it.

Do You Have Window Damage on Your Heavy Equipment in Amsterdam or the Capital Region?

If you own heavy equipment in the Cobleskill, Rock City Falls, Saratoga Springs, or Albany areas of NY and have window damage, contact us at Craftsman Auto Glass. We’ve been keeping fleets of heavy equipment safe in the Amsterdam, NY area for years. Our technicians have extensive experience repairing and replacing auto glass for the following types of heavy equipment: