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The purpose of both options is to help provide space under an upturned quad bike, but they’re manufactured in different ways. The LifeGuard is made up of a number of various parts, whereas the QuadGuard one piece.
The main difference between the two is how they’re made. The QuadGuard is rotational moulded plastic, and a one-piece design, whereas the LifeGuard has a lot of parts, and the arc is made up of 60 individual segments held together by a fibre cable. The LifeGuard is a lot more flexible and can be refurbished if it gets damaged, whereas the QuadGuard will need to be replaced if damaged.
The QuadGuard isn’t as flexible as the LifeGuard but is still passive and a lot better than a steel bar if it hits you. It also means in some situations the QuadGuard provides more space under the quad if it rolls.
The LifeGuard requires more maintenance (keeping the tension at the correct setting, replacing the neoprene cover if necessary) whereas the QuadGuard has no moving parts, and a neoprene cover is optional.
The LifeGuard weighs 14.6kg and the QuadGuard weighs 7.2kg
The LifeGuard can still be used after it’s been involved in a rollover or if it is damaged, we have a refurbish kit. The QuadGuard may need to be replaced after a serious rollover if it’s damaged or deformed.
The QuadGuard has currently got an expected life span of 5 years on it, which will be reviewed each year and then confirmed at the end of 2024 or before if necessary.
The LifeGuard doesn’t have an expected lifespan as such – if maintained it should last for a lot longer than 5 years, but if not or if it gets damaged somehow it can be refurbished.
The LifeGuard is made from an aluminium base with plastic segments forming the arc.
The segments that form the arc are injection moulded and the cables which hold the segments together are a 12-strand braided rope, and have a breaking strain of 3500kg each.
The tensioning mechanism has been designed to be simple, strong and fail proof. All components are Stainless Steel and have been tested to meet strict engineering standards.
A cover zips on to cover the segments. It is 5mm thick and made from neoprene, with a wear resistant UV stable nylon fabric each side.
The mounting brackets are designed to fit most types of carriers. This includes a flat bar that can be swivelled at any angle, with hooks that rotate 360° to any position. They simply clamp over each end of the LifeGuard.
The LifeGuard will fit any quad bike with a metal carrier, some ATV's have a plastic carrier and it is not possible to fit them with the standard bracket. Please contact us for more details.
It is extremely important that the tension is kept at 33 Newton Meters, and that the brackets that attach the LifeGuard to the ATV are correctly tensioned. This is very easy to do, and all you need is a torque wrench and the correct sockets, otherwise get your mechanic to check it every service.
Like any product with moving parts, the LifeGuard needs to be checked regularly, every 12 months minimum. Download its service plan here. If it has been involved in a roll over, it is essential the LifeGuard is checked for possible damage to ensure it is still functional. Please contact us if you’re unsure what to do.
Due to the LifeGuard being flexible and having moving parts, the cords holding the segments together can fray and wear out over time, so it is essential the LifeGuard is maintained otherwise it may collapse. The service instructions provided with every new LifeGuard explains how to do this, along with these also being available online - Download Steps-For-Servicing-a-LifeGuard
The short answer is yes! This is one great advantage of the LifeGuard being flexible and it has been designed to take and handle impact.
It will need to be sent to one of our agents to be inspected - if no damage has been caused by the roll over, all is well, but if there has been damage caused as a result of the roll over, this can easily be fixed without having to replace the complete LifeGuard. If you need further information about this, please contact us.
The neoprene covers are the first thing to wear out on them – these need to be replaced if they get damaged. It depends on your environment and usage as to how long these can last for.
Maintenance – this is very important. The key thing is to keep the tension at the correct setting and replace the cord and/or cover if needed. Here’s a link to more information about this: Download Steps-For-Servicing-a-LifeGuard.
This can be done by the owner, otherwise the by the bike shop who services your quad bikes. If the cords need replacing, we have a refurbish kit available so a complete new LifeGuard isn’t needed. If they’re not maintained the cords can wear over time and fail so it is essential they're maintained.
Dogs love the LifeGuard! There’s space for at least 2-3 average size farm dogs, and it gives them something to lean on instead of your back.
Either on the front, or a small one (30L) can fit under the arc of the LifeGuard - if you have other items on the front of your quad and can’t put your sprayer there, the LifeGuard is super quick to fit/remove, so once you’ve finished spraying, remove the sprayer off the back and fit the LifeGuard. Another option is to use a different vehicle for spraying.
The LifeGuard simply clamps to the rear carrier of your Quad, fitting most makes and models. Severe roll over testing has proved that this method is highly effective as the flexible character of the Lifeguard soaks up the impact, and the carrier can easily sustain the forces required. The mounting brackets consist of two flat bars that can be swivelled at any angle, with hooks that rotate 360° to any position.
PLEASE NOTE - The LifeGuard fits most makes, but is not recommended for plastic carriers, and is still undergoing testing to find a suitable mounting option for these.
The LifeGuard may look heavy, but the LifeGuard itself is only 13.3kg and the standard mounting kit that is supplied is 1.3kg, making it a total of 14.6kg.
The LifeGuard can easily be fitted by an individual, and there is no need to employ a technician, please make sure that you read the instruction books in detail, and follow the instructions. In any doubt please contact us.
Part of the design process was to make it so the end user could fit it themselves. Here’s a video showing this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4bdB2tuuPc&t=3s
It certainly has! Before going to market the LifeGuard was tested in many ways, including rolling down a hill several times. Since it has been on the market, it has been put to the real test and many people have been involved in a roll over, and the LifeGuard has saved them from injury or possible death.
In most situations, your quad bike is a lot safer with one fitted. The LifeGuard reduces the risk of serious injury or death, by offering some protection to the rider in the event of a roll over. We view it like a seat belt in a car - obviously it will not save every life, but it will save a lot more by using one.
This can happen if the LifeGuard isn't maintained and the arc gets too 'wobbly' which can put pressure on the welds/mounting points of the carrier. Carriers can be strengthened if need be but it's essential the LifeGuard is maintained and kept at the correct tension.
If maintained, everything inside the LifeGuard will last for many years, other than the neoprene cover. The main thing is to keep the tension at the correct setting so the arc doesn’t get to ‘wobbly’ which in turn can wear out components. At this stage there isn't a replacement date for the main construction of the LifeGuard, but this is reviewed and will be updated when and if needed.
This varies in different countries, some states in Australia the LifeGuard is highly supported, and you’ll get a rebate if you fit a LifeGuard. In New Zealand, WorkSafe updated their policy in June 2019 regarding CPDs on quad bikes, and they strongly recommend fitting crush protection on quads - click here to read more. ACC also offer a rebate - click here to read more about this incentive.
Most ATV manufacturers will advise you not to fit any form of crush protection - if they did say to fit an extra aftermarket safety device to make their product safer, in effect it’s saying they are selling an unsafe machine – so you won’t get much support from them!
Read through our product disclaimer for further information.
