TJM vs ARB steel bar for 80 seris, which is better?

Go the tjm i had one on my patrol for 12 years, took more than a few hits out bush (and on road). Strong as an ox, and still looked good when I sold it recently. ARB do have glossier brochures and better salesmen though.

I've got an ARB bullbar on my Hilux and have had it for 7 years. It's still almost in new condition and have hit several Kangaroos without damage.
One of the roos I hit was a big red kangaroo, while driving into Coral Bay at night. The impact speed was about 70km/hr (no time to brake) and had no damage to the car. The bullbar was pushed in about half an inch on one side, but isn't noticeable and the rest is good - spotties survived. My mate pulled the roo off the road and he estimated the weight to be about 70kg (was a 6 footer). He reckoned that any car that hit that roo would have been a right off.
ARB bullbars are higher quality than the backyard ones and have built in crumble buffer on the frame. Without some type of crumble buffer, any shock will be transfered directly into the chasis damaging it, so you really do need it.
I can't say too much about TJM bullbars, but after having an ARB, I wouldn't buy anything else. There are bullbars and there are bullbars.

I think that you will find that the standard TJM bar is winch compatible, whereas you have to pay extra for that with the ARB bar.

gday
im not 100% sure but i believe the main difference apart from styling is that as far as the winch bars go, the TJM bar needs/requires a seperate cradle for mounting the winch where as the ARB bar is manufactured so the winch bolts straight on to the bar.
all the best

GN
I have an ARB bar, it's passed the test a few times with 100kph medium sized Kangaroo hits , not been tested yet on pedestrians, usually try to avoid those dangerous creatures.

.

Hi G N,
I've a steel ARB on my 80. I've owned it for 4 odd years now, I believe it's been on it from day one, there's no mention of it being fitted in the vehicle's history. I've used it to push a few fence posts and things, nothing to serious. It does it's job, Ariel mount, somewhere to bolt the spotties and Hilift jack and I've never hit anything of substance. I've seen more ARB bars with all the accessories than the TJM bars.
I'm happy with it.

While there are some differences, I think you'll find this is a question like:
'Which is the better 4WD, Nissan or Toyota' or
Which is the better family sedan - Holden of Ford'

For 4WDs, I prefer Toyotas. For Family sedans I prefer Holdens. For bar work and accessories for my 4WD I've always preferred ARB.

Am I right. I doubt anyone really cares. And I doubt it reallly matters. Both good products. If one has features you like, go for it. Otherwise go for the one you like best. If you still can't decide, go for the cheapest of the two.

Norm C

Ok we're in the process of getting a bullbar for the Hilux.
Now here is an interesting cact for you. OL recommend ARB Bull Bars because they mount direct to the chassis and OL ones don't.

And another tip is to ask for an ARB Commercial Winch Bar - significantly cheaper than the deluxe, still has the wings but some sort of slight difference in the design. Can't say exactly because we have one on order at the moment but haven't seen a picture - I'd say it's probably missing the tow horizontal bars that go across on either side under the headlights.

Don't have much idea on the TJM brand but hope that helps a bit. I'd say go ARB and if you're on a budget ask to see what the Commercial one looks like.

My Husband reckons the ARB bars look better, I like the look of the OL ones but I can see the use of having visible corners such as the ARB has.