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IF you work in a field such as mining, the military, at airports, docks, around road construction/ land-fill sites or operate tow trucks and other heavy vehicles, you will understand the criticality of having high performance recovery equipment. Every tool you fit on your 4X4 has to match the function that it is going to serve and the environment that it is going to be used in. When you venture off the beaten track the saying- better safe than sorry, becomes all the more relevant. Vehicle recovery is a tough job and being well-equipped for it is half the job accomplished. Never settle for sub-standard products especially where safety is concerned. Respect the environment When a recovery operation is in progress, it is very easy to get carried away with the task at hand and overlook seemingly inconsequential factors. The winch is ideally anchored to a tree (if one exists at that spot). When you secure the winch rope or cable to a tree, the resultant pressure and friction can do irreparable damage to it. It is important to be considerate about the environment while conducting any operation. A tree trunk protector is an accessory that ensures that the tree trunk or the bark of the tree remain unscathed. It is a simple 5mtr strap that has to be wound around the tree trunk before you wind the cable around its girth. Multiple uses Though the primary function of a tree trunk protector is to protect the trunk from ring-barking, it can be used to connect the winch cable to any anchor point. When you pick an anchor point ensure that it is strong enough to bear the load and strain that you are going to subject it to. The tree should be well-rooted and it should not be shock-loaded. These protectors are made of polyester webbing and are available in different lengths and varying break-strengths. Always check specifications of a product before buying it. It’s a good idea to have a few of them handy. Shedding light Having a well-equipped off road vehicle is also about having good light fittings. Halogen fittings are now considered to be passé as advanced LED light bar fittings have entered the scene. Though these probably started out as police car lights they are also used on construction trucks, plow vehicles, rescue vehicles, mining field trucks, fire trucks and ambulances. They can be called warning lights or emergency lights. The diodes in these LED light bar fittings are long-lasting, power-efficient and are easily noticeable from a distance even in daylight. Color coded The light bars are thin and flat and reduce wind resistance by close to 10 percent. In many countries the colors of LED lights denotes the purpose for which they are used. The red and blue lights are used in ambulances and police and emergency vehicles. On the other hand the amber ones are utility vehicles, tow trucks and construction site vehicles. Any specialized light fitting that you use must meet the regulations of the country that you live in and should be used scrupulously. Resource box: The LED light bar is an accessory that many modern off roaders sport. Recovery operation kits should have accessories such as a tree trunk protector that can be ordered online from Sherpa4x4.
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