Patented in 1984, Bull bars were created to allow for easy installation and application of protective devices to vehicle front ends. The application of these safety bars were initially designed to protect ranch vehicles from the wandering cattle that tend to roam onto country roads.

Prior to this invention receiving the grant of patent protection, bull bars were heavily welded, series of steel piping that were attached to the front of vehicles that might require them. As far back as the 1940's, when heavy duty trucks were being used in the cattle industry, there were some sort of after market applications of what would eventually become the modern day bull bar.

As production techniques became easier, and manufacturing of bull bars more wide spread, the use of these protective devices has become more universal on off road vehicles as well as ranch trucks, SUV's and even some sedans that deal in wilderness environments.

Used in the Australian outback, a lighter weight version of the bull bar is known as the roo bar; protecting rancher's while driving terrain heavily populated with Kangaroos. While there are a number of incidents every year related to vehicle versus kangaroo collisions, there are nearly as many accidents with the large cattle population in Australia as well. In those areas where the main herded animal are cows, bull bars are in heavy use protecting the ranchers off-road vehicles.

The so called roo bars are very similar in design to the standard bull bar, however, they tend to be a bit smaller, lighter and easier to install. Given that kangaroos and other bush animals are at most one quarter the size of the average cow, the roo bars need not be built to the same standards.

Perhaps if these lighter, smaller versions of bull bars had been in place a few years ago, many of the European countries would not have put laws into place banning their applications on vehicles there. Apparently a high amount of pedestrian deaths have been blamed on the fact that heavy duty bull bars were on vehicles that were involved in accidents with people.

With the advent of the smaller, safer bull bars, some of these regulations are beginning to see repeal, opening the market for the sale and trade of the newer bars.

Bull bars have evolved from purely functional accessories to cosmetic add ons that many consumer truck owners desire. Stylish while still functional, bull bars today are made from heavy duty composite materials that allow them to remain strong and protective while greatly reducing their overall weight.

Many of the modern designs ensure maximum strength and often times are manufactured using a single piece construction that provides dependability and durability. Because many of the all metal bull bars use 100% aircraft quality steel, bull bars can withstand impacts to much higher ratings than some of the bars manufactured just a few years ago.

By adding powder coated finishes or hand polishing, truck owners can have all the protection these devices provide while maintaining the value, and beauty of a well cared for vehicle. Add to these benefits the fact that well designed bull bars have been intelligently thought out to allow for bolt on applications. Now vehicle owners are no longer required to drill holes into the undercarriage of their trucks.

Throw in skid plates that are now being designed and added to many bull bars, and the savvy truck owner gets all the protection while maintaining, if not increasing their vehicle's value.