Bull / Roo bar

[grumpa]

I was in Flinders Ranges over the weekend and hit a small Roo. No damage to my D3 but it made me think about getting a Bull / Roo bar. Problem: getting one in Adelaide! Looking for advice from you guys; any ideas on what to get? I do not plan to be driving at dawn / dusk / night too often, but you never know.
Thanks in advance.

[Watpub]

I was in Flinders Ranges over the weekend and hit a small Roo. No damage to my D3 but it made me think about getting a Bull / Roo bar. Problem: getting one in Adelaide! Looking for advice from you guys; any ideas on what to get? I do not plan to be driving at dawn / dusk / night too often, but you never know.
Thanks in advance.

Hi Grumpa,

I know the feeling. I was driving my new D4 through Heathcote in Victoria last weeked - this place is infamous for roos and roo strikes - and internally I was passing razor blades!:eek:

Adelaide shouldn't be a problem. LandRover have one of those dinky protection bars (as they call it) but they seem so tiny I'd wonder what they actually protected.

ARB make a bar for the D3 (I know because I'm waiting for one for the D4). I'm sure if you went to their website ARB 4x4 Accessories » Products (http://www.arb.com.au/products/) there'd be a dealer listed in Adelaide.

The problem that you've got is one of looks and cost. For a D3 (being a recent model fourby) I'd be inclined to get one powder coated to match the car rather than just a bog standard black steel.

Regards, Ron

[trobbo]

while your talking to ARB ask them for a sahara style bar first. They dont make it yet but imo it looks much smarter and would look flash on the D3.

If enough people ask they will make it. I'm still waiting :angel:

[connock]

Hi Grumpa
I live in Adelaide and TRS fitted mine did a great job cheaper than ARB Quoted to fit as well. Yes its a ARB bar , I went for the standard black powder coated one as my D3 is silver with black trim anyhow. Looks good :D . It was one of the first things I fitted as I have hit many roo,s in my defender and the lights on the D3 look real expensive!! not to mention the radiator, fronf end etc.

[grumpa]

OK; I have tried a few suppliers and am told you can only get a Bull bar for a Diesel Disco 3. Suppliers tell me they don't know why; it just specifies diesel only. Is there a magic trick that prevents petrol Disco 3s from kangaroos? :mad:
Anyone have any thoughts about the Land Rover 'nudge bar'? I've seen a few on eBay for under $500 and Solitaire in Adelaide can fit the Polycarbonate version (protects radiator only) for about $1500.
Thanks again.

[DiscoWeb]

Grumpa,

Check through some old posts on the forum as I recall there was some discussions about the ARB bar in particular not being suitable for the Petrol V8 due to the placement of some elements in the engine bay, maybe coolant bottles or A/c I think.

Regardless I am sure there are some with either petrol V6 or V8 that have bars fitted.

I seem to recall DiscoSaffa (who has been remarkably quite recently) recently had an ARB bar fitted to a petrol V6 ?

George

[Watpub]

Hey Grumpa,

Have you had a look at the ECB ones Landrover Discovery (http://www.ecb.com.au/model/discovery.htm) . There's one there called a Series 2 but to all intents and purposes it looks like it's on a D3 to me.

According to another post ECB is just about to release a D4 bull bar so I'd be sure that they'd have one for a D3.

Also, personally if you're going to spend $1,500 I'd go the extra and get a full bull bar to protect your investment. I wouldn't be confident that a nudge bar could cope with a decent knock from a roo without flexing back onto the front of the car. And full bull bars are great for nudging those pesky cars that park 5 mm in front of you out of the way! :angel:

Regards, Ron
(http://www.ecb.com.au/model/discovery.htm)

[trobbo]

OK; I have tried a few suppliers and am told you can only get a Bull bar for a Diesel Disco 3. Suppliers tell me they don't know why; it just specifies diesel only. Is there a magic trick that prevents petrol Disco 3s from kangaroos? :mad:
Anyone have any thoughts about the Land Rover 'nudge bar'? I've seen a few on eBay for under $500 and Solitaire in Adelaide can fit the Polycarbonate version (protects radiator only) for about $1500.
Thanks again.

ARB say it doesn't fit but that doesn't mean it cant be done. There are petrol v6 and v8 D3's around with ARB bull bars. From memory something like the ac compressor has to be moved about 1 cm to get it to fit. Have a search in this section of the forum for a detailed debate of "yes you can", "no you cant".

[grumpa]

Thanks guys
:D Getting closer; ECB reckon they can do one for me - about $2,500 fitted. BUT, there's a wait involved. Better wait than never. I'll keep a look out for any alternatives in the mean time. Happy to hear any suggestions. Thanks again - much appreciated.

[Tombie]

Get an ARB bar, grab some mates and fit it..

OR..

Get an ARB bar and go see Phil at TRS to fit it... They will know what needs moving where to make it fit properly..

(The frame mounts etc are the same, just an object (cant recall what) needs slight adjustment to fit..


And if you plan being out of suburbia often, Sahara bars are not for you!

And with the cost of the headlight assembly, I wouldnt want a Sahara anyway!

[pm80]

If it helps at all, I have had ARB bars fitted to TDV6, V6 petrol and V8 petrol D3's. Yes, they say it is only for a TDV6, but they fit on all models. Winch bar included.
On other news, I posted some photos of the new D4 ECB bar this morning but did not see this thread first. There are more photos in the other thread.
Peter.

[c.h.i.e.f]

or get a big 5 poster made to suit the disco and "mow" down anything that comes into your path :o :wasntme:

at least the disco wont be damaged :D isnt that what this was about :angel::p:p:p:p

[Watpub]

Thanks guys
:D Getting closer; ECB reckon they can do one for me - about $2,500 fitted. BUT, there's a wait involved. Better wait than never. I'll keep a look out for any alternatives in the mean time. Happy to hear any suggestions. Thanks again - much appreciated.

Hey Grumpa,

Was that price for colour coding and fitting of all of the bibs and bobs like parking sensors and cameras??? And how much wait?

Ron

[miky]

If you are in a small sleepy town like Adelaide (as I am) then you soon get used to the word "WAIT".

I am waiting on several accessories for my new Defender. List is too long to put here :)

[grumpa]

or get a big 5 poster made to suit the disco and "mow" down anything that comes into your path :o :wasntme:

at least the disco wont be damaged :D isnt that what this was about :angel::p:p:p:p

Ouch!:o

[grumpa]

Hey Grumpa,

Was that price for colour coding and fitting of all of the bibs and bobs like parking sensors and cameras??? And how much wait?

Ron

That was for an alloy bar; $2180 to buy and $264 to fit. No additional bits and pieces and the wait is to around the end of July.

[Watpub]

That was for an alloy bar; $2180 to buy and $264 to fit. No additional bits and pieces and the wait is to around the end of July.

Thanks Grumpa,

That ain't too bad - I suspect the ARB one will be in the same ball park.

[grumpa]

If you are in a small sleepy town like Adelaide (as I am) then you soon get used to the word "WAIT".

I am waiting on several accessories for my new Defender. List is too long to put here :)

:( I have a Disco 3 S and wanted to raise the suspension; couldn't find too many people interested in working on it but it's fixed now. Getting the 'bar done looks like being a similar story! I'll be in the market for a CB / UHF radio soon and can't wait for more of the same.
Thanks for your comments.

[Watpub]

:( I have a Disco 3 S and wanted to raise the suspension; couldn't find too many people interested in working on it but it's fixed now. Getting the 'bar done looks like being a similar story! I'll be in the market for a CB / UHF radio soon and can't wait for more of the same.
Thanks for your comments.

Last year while we were in the Adelaide hills my Engel died :( and went to God (via the rubbish bin). These guys Mount Barker 4 x 4 Centre - Four Wheel Drive Equipment & Accessories - Mt Barker, SA - Yellow Pages® (http://www.yellowpages.com.au/sa/mt-barker/mount-barker-4-x-4-centre-13012891-listing.html) were great at getting me a new fridge and working on the Cruiser (yes, not a Disco). They seemed to know their sh#%t... oops stuff. Give em a try - you can but ask!

I'm sure Mt Barker's not too far off the beaten track - everything in Adelaide is only half an hour away!;) (Except probably the revitalisation of the Crows football team - oops, nasty and spiteful :twisted:)

Regards, Ron

[Watpub]

Hi again Grumpa,

I know I bagged nudge bars earlier but I've just come across one on flEabay as follows: Landrover Discovery 3 2005+ Stainless Steel Nudge Bar - eBay 4x4 Accessories, Exterior, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 11-Jul-10 11:19:11 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Landrover-Discovery-3-2005-Stainless-Steel-Nudge-Bar-/350365424467?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5193681b53)

Regards, Ron

[grumpa]

Thanks Watpub
Yes, I've seen these; what do you all think about these as an alternative to a Bull bar? I know its not in the same league as the big steel bars; My plans for the future do not involve too much (if any) dusk - night - dawn driving but I know you can't cover all eventualities. I guess its all a bit of a 'luck' thing really; even the biggest / best bull bar is not going to help much if you go up against cattle / horses. I guess I'll wait for some more ideas from you guys. Thanks to all who have chipped in your ideas; much appreciated. :)

PS: great site; I have learned a lot from you guys already!

[chuck]

Grumpa

I have found the following mob on E Bay excellet to deal with for UHF's etc
They are well priced & service is excellent.
They are located in SA.

Member id: uhf_gps_plusmore

Regards

Chuck

[rmp]

Nudge bars are of no practical use against animals. Well, that's not strictly true, they will make a mess of the smaller insects.

[ADMIRAL]

Nudge bars are of no practical use against animals. Well, that's not strictly true, they will make a mess of the smaller insects.

Yes I would agree, but I have seen a nudge bar deflect a monster roo without damage to the bar or the vehicle. I would not like the odds on hitting a roo in the right spot again though. More for mounting lights, and acoustic parking I would think.

[Watpub]

Thanks Watpub
what do you all think about these as an alternative to a Bull bar? I know its not in the same league as the big steel bars; My plans for the future do not involve too much (if any) dusk - night - dawn driving but I know you can't cover all eventualities. I guess its all a bit of a 'luck' thing really; even the biggest / best bull bar is not going to help much if you go up against cattle / horses. I guess I'll wait for some more ideas from you guys. Thanks to all who have chipped in your ideas; much appreciated. :)


Hi Grumpa,

In my travels I have got to admit that I haven't seen too many stray horses or cattle on the road - but I've seen one hell of a lot of kangaroos.;) You're right, no bar in the world is a match for a large critter, but with kangaroos a bull bar is more than a match.

The other thing that's jumped out at me a couple of times is the side rail on my side gate :mad: - I have to swing wide sometimes to avoid my son's ute and every once in a while in my Landcruiser the side of gate just seemed to jump out and insist on nudging my bull bar. The Cruiser had an ARB bull bar that wrapped around at the front and it bore the bulk of the scratches - a nudge bar wouldn't have cut it. Precision driving backwards has never been a strong point of mine. ;)

And then there's things like driving lights and UHF aerials - they just don't seem to cut muster on nudge bars!

Regards, Ron

[grumpa]

Thanks guys; a bull bar is the way to go then. Must start saving for July!
Bye the way, I was in Brisbane over the weekend for a birthday party and didn't see one Disco 3 or 4 - probably all out bush or on the beach!
Cheers

[grumpa]

Yeaaayy!
I got a new ARB steel bull bar - powder coated black - supplied and fitted by Phil at Triumph Rover Spares in Adelaide. Looks good too! Cost just under $2000 and they did a great job! Got a loan car and the job was completed on time. I would recommend these guys to anyone who was looking for parts and service.
Cheers

[LeaRoy]

Grumpa,

Does the weight of the steel bar cause any front suspension issues? I am trying to decide between steel and alloy.

Steel - stronger but heavier, may cause front end issues
Alloy - weaker but lighter, will not cause front end issues

maybe!

Thanks,

Royce

[Disco4SE]

Grumpa,

Does the weight of the steel bar cause any front suspension issues? I am trying to decide between steel and alloy.

Steel - stronger but heavier, may cause front end issues
Alloy - weaker but lighter, will not cause front end issues

maybe!

Thanks,

Royce
With you there Royce.
I have been trying to find out the weight difference.

Cheers, Craig

[d3viate]

Steel - stronger but heavier, may cause front end issues
Alloy - weaker but lighter, will not cause front end issues

What issues has anybody really had with a steel bars weight ?
I have a winch and the spotties up there and have had no tyre or wheel alignment problems (wheel alignment just checked) over thousands of kms of very rough roads, as well as the the aux battery and compressor under the bonnet.
Besides the Discovery going into limp mode is it also limp up front ?
My biggest worry here is cattle or Indigenous walking on the road at night-which happens, roos are not a problem with a steel bar (other than for poor skippy), alloy bar even with a roo or a decent dog/goat/sheep you will have to check how much your "protection" has bent against your body work and if you try and pull it back out it will just crack and have to purchase another bar or major work.
Is all the worry worth it?
It may get you down the quarter mile a a tenth quicker though.

[grumpa]

Finally got mine! http://ericmapp.com/scenery.html
Grumpa

[grumpa]

Grumpa,

Does the weight of the steel bar cause any front suspension issues? I am trying to decide between steel and alloy.

Steel - stronger but heavier, may cause front end issues
Alloy - weaker but lighter, will not cause front end issues

maybe!

Thanks,

Royce
Hi
I had the bar fitted by Rover Triumph Spares and they said there would be no problem, particularly as I had bigger/stronger springs fitted to improve ground clearance. The bar is supposed to weigh 44Kg. Here's a picture: https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/10/178.jpg

[cucinadio]

OK; I have tried a few suppliers and am told you can only get a Bull bar for a Diesel Disco 3. Suppliers tell me they don't know why; it just specifies diesel only. Is there a magic trick that prevents petrol Disco 3s from kangaroos? :mad:
Anyone have any thoughts about the Land Rover 'nudge bar'? I've seen a few on eBay for under $500 and Solitaire in Adelaide can fit the Polycarbonate version (protects radiator only) for about $1500.
Thanks again.


They look the good on the LR3'S in brit and Europe , love the winch mount as well looks sweet....but they don't have roos like we do !!!!..:eek:

cheers