Traditionally, most off road vehicles are fitted with steel wrap-around protection of some description, that can weigh upwards of 110kgs. Whilst this provides ample protection for the front of the vehicle, it can have a detrimental effect on pedestrian safety, the front axle weight, and vehicle handling.Key points: The Smartbar Stealthbar weighs just 70kg with the winch fitted! (36kg without winch fitted). This decreases front axle weight considerably. The Smartbar Stealthbar is compatible with European Pedestrian impact laws, and is available for Ranger and Hilux. Check out the chart below, issue by an independent body, showing the benefits of a Smartbar over other options:
 Although made from plastic, the bar will spring back more than 80% from an impact, whereas a steal or aluminium bar will bend permanently! Check out the charts showing the post impact damage to different bar material types.
Another option is the Smartbar Spartanbar, which is readily available for most models. Check out the Brochure for more information.Check out a calf surviving a crash and barely denting the Smartbar here: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=LOT5krTPQmQ Another option to decrease the weight of the bullbar is to use an aluminium option. These options are usually around 30% lighter than steel, and can come in a polished finish, or powder coated, so look just like their steel counterparts.ANCAPIn recent years, we have seen more and more fleets making the admirable commitment to improve the ANCAP rating of their fleets. One thing that can be missed is the fact that ANCAP increases the requirements to gain 5 star rating every 2 years or so. This means if you purchased for example a Holden Colorado 3 years ago with 5 star ANCAP, it will no longer meet this standard.This year is a perfect example – ANCAP increased the 5 star requirements to include compulsory autonomous emergency braking(AEB) and lane support systems. This put many ute manufacturers under pressure to produce a
vehicle with high level standard specs on base models that were previously unheard of.Combine a steel bullbar with ANCAP frontal impact standards and you could be having a major detrimental impact on the safety of your fleet! Check out the vehicles ANCAP rating here: https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings
