Bull Bar?

[cwilder]

What are the rules here in Australia in regards to installing Bull Bars? I would like to install a Bull Bar designed by Safety Devices in the UK but I'm not sure what the law may be. I see several Defenders with Bull bars so I assumed it would be ok. I just moved here so I'm not sure of the laws. I have attached a pic of the bar.

[Disco Muppet]

Can't see why they wouldn't allow it, unless for some reason it doesn't meet the ADR

[cwilder]

I don't think its ADR approved but I'm thinking thats because there are none here.

[juddy]

I think all new bull bars have to meet ADR.

Does not mean you cant fit one that does not meet it, better check with ADR.

[bussy1963]

I guess you could go down getting it ADR approved.

It is a nice shape rounds and no visible sharp edges.

But then again you could just put it on. Choice is yours

[MR LR]

Seeings as its not an air bag bar you can have most things...
As long as. The uprights don't slope forward and the furthest edge forward is smooth (rounded), and nothing disrupts the lights of the car.

That's all I can work out looking at them and from what I've read, I'm sure someone could add to it though.

Cheers
Will

[Sue]

summary of the australian standard for bull bars - RACV

Bull bar Specs from QLD Transport


Bull bars
Bull bars must be designed and fitted so that the safety
of the vehicle is not adversely affected. They must be
firmly and securely mounted and supported, and must
not constitute a danger to other road users. Bull bars
must not obstruct the vision of the driver and should not
project further from the front of the vehicle than is
necessary for its attachment. Bull bars should not add a
significant load to the front suspension.
Bull bars must be free of sharp protrusions and all
exposed sections of the bull bar and fittings must be
radiused and deburred. Forward and side members
should be designed to reduce the risk of injury to any
person who may come into contact with the bull bar.
Bull bars must not obscure the driver's view or any light.
In particular, the visibility of indicator lights at all
viewing angles must not be reduced, and if so, additional
lights must be fitted or the original relocated in
accordance with the relevant legislation or Australian
Design Rules. Surfaces of the bar that could reflect light
from the vehicle's headlights must be matt black.
Vehicles fitted with an airbag or manufactured to comply
with ADR 69 - Full Frontal Impact Occupant Protection
or both ADR 69 and ADR 73 – Offset
Frontal Impact Protection, can only be fitted with a bull
bar which:
• has been certified by the vehicle manufacturer as
suitable for that vehicle or
• has been demonstrated by the bull bar manufacturer
to not adversely affect compliance with the ADRs or
interfere with the critical airbag timing mechanism,
as the case may be.
Bull bars that comply with AS 4876.1-2002 provide a
higher level of pedestrian protection.
16

[rick130]

It looks fine, the only thing the Police or RTA or whatever they call themselves in Qld may pick you up on is no indicator in the bumper section as the uprights can partially obscure the OE indicators from some angles.

Have a look at a TJM/ARB/EC bullbar to see what I'm talking about.
FWIW the early ARB bars used Golf Mk1 indicators inset into the bar.

I'd just install it, I doubt anyone will ever notice it isn't a locally made one at all and I like the increased approach angle compared to an ARB/TJM bar too.

[edit] I forgot, the authorities here don't like roller fairleads or recovery points proud of the bumper bar either, but most get away with it.

[blue_mini]

I like that bar. Any idea on a price?

[cwilder]

I like that bar. Any idea on a price?

I'm ordering from Daniel at Mulgo. Its around 1K but I also have to pay for shipping from the UK. That adds to the price but this is the setup I want for my defender. I like the approach angle and personally like the looks compared to the ARB or other ones I've seen. It was also designed by ECR in the US and I really like the work they do on Defenders.