an alloy bar with the strength
properties close to that of a
steel but with a weight saving of
around 30 per cent.”
By using aluminium or
LLDPE, companies are able
to offer close to the same
protection levels but with a
drastically reduced weight over
the front suspension, eating into
the GVM considerably less in
the process. Adam Hixon from
SmartBar claims this decrease
in weight sees their bars
reducing fuel consumption by
as much as seven per cent.
The next major factor to
consider is how they hold up
over time. Traditionally this
has been one of the biggest
drawcards of steel. It has a
higher endurance limit than
aluminium, which means small
forces applied to aluminium,
like repeated knocks and harsh
corrugations, will eventually
take their toll, whereas steel
will either fare better or not be
affected at all.
So what does this mean for
the buyer? Essentially nothing.
In terms of importance, the
materials used run a very
distant second place to design.
They’re essentially tools for
the engineers to work withto meet a desired outcome.
Material thickness, quality and
internal bracing can mitigate
any potential advantages of
one material over the other.
Aluminium can be run at a
thicker gauge and can have
additional bracing or different
material compositions to bring it
up to comparative strength levels
with steel. Likewise, LLDPE can
be UV-stabilised for longevity
and have additives mixed in
to up its tensile strength while
still being easily repairable and
potentially safer for pedestrians.
Ultimately the real difference
for consumers is essentiallywhat you can see. Steel requires
far less work and is cheaper to
purchase, making the off-the-
shelf price cheaper. Aluminium
will generally weigh less,
giving you an increase in fuel
economy. Plastic can be lighter
again, improving fuel economy
and safety levels. While steel
may traditionally be used for
strength (and alloy for show) it
all comes down to build quality
in the end. Stronger materials
won’t make up for bad design
and shoddy quality.WHAT’S IT LOOK LIKE?
WHILE the grizzled old manThe SmartBar is made from
LLDPE,so it weighs much
less than a steel bullbar.Bullbar engineering
and manufacturing at
the ARB factory.http://www.4X4australia.com.au 93