Mark

Nice Drill press. The 140 RPM is going to be very handy with large Forstner bits.

I am ~ 6'2". My drill press is set on a bench made from old kitchen cabinets and counter, so it's 36" to the bench top. The table is right now at 48" high and the belt is about 6' or so.

I've never wished that mine were lower.
I think that clear plastic shield is some type of "safety requirement" . Other than get in the way, I can't see it doing much else. I know that I would never install it.
I am looking to replace mine and it will be replaced with another bench top. I like having all of that counter surface around the drill press for accessibility, and a lay down area for material is an advantage. Wood working has different requirements than metal working and I think having it set on a counter meets those requirements better. At least for me it does.
If you pick the rolling cart/chest properly, you should be able to do what you want too.