Ranch Hand® Steel Truck Bumpers Explained — Bumpers vs. Grille Guards vs. Bullbars vs. Push Bars
- Robustly strong 5/16" uprights that provide high tensile strength for impacts
- Constructed from 12-gauge steel tubing to amplify strength and sturdiness
- One-piece welded fabrication prevents rattling and remains strong
- Frame-mounted in four locations to reduce vibration and ensure a secure fit
- Custom-punched grille inserts to match the truck manufacturer's grille pattern
- Wraparound brush guards for greater front-end coverage and a streamlined look
- Super polyester black powder coat finish for superior corrosion resistance
- Robustly strong 5/16" uprights that provide high tensile strength for impacts
- Pre-drilled crossbars for mounting lights, sirens or other accessories
- One-piece welded fabrication prevents rattling and remains strong
- Frame-mounted in four locations to reduce vibration and ensure a secure fit
- Super polyester black powder coat finish for superior corrosion resistance
- Form-fitted and lightweight design with a modern, futuristic style
- 7-gauge smooth steel bumper with 1/4" steel mounting brackets
- Perforated 12-gauge inserts provide protection to LED lights, light bar and grille
- Corrosion-resistant, 3/5mm thick, black carbide powder coat finish with liquid-A coat
- Accepts 32" light bar on trucks without sensors and 26" on trucks with sensors
- Retains factory fog lights or accepts 2" lights (tow hooks must be removed)
- Removable insert available to accommodate most front-facing cameras and sensors
- High-strength yet lightweight 12-gauge, diamond-plate steel construction with 2" thick 12-gauge bullnose
- Constructed with 5/16" uprights for high-tensile strength and durability
- Bullnose brush guard for extra front-end protection and an aggressive look
- Retains factory fog lights and tow hooks, if equipped
- Super polyester black powder coat finish for superior corrosion resistance
- Compatible with front-facing cameras and sensors
- Easy, direct-bolt installation with no cutting, welding or drilling required
- The original, heavy-duty, 'ranch-style' front bumper made for hardworking trucks
- Built from 4" schedule-40 pipe and diamond-plate steel for dependable strength
- One-piece welded fabrication and 12-gauge grille guard steel protects the truck grille from brush and road debris
- Constructed with 5/16" uprights for high-tensile strength and durability
- Frame-mounted in four locations to reduce vibration and ensure a secure fit
- Comes standard with 2" receiver for tow hook, winch mount or other attachments
- Super polyester black powder coat finish for superior corrosion resistance
- High-strength yet lightweight 12-gauge, diamond-plate steel construction
- Constructed with 5/16" uprights for high-tensile strength and durability
- One-piece welded fabrication prevents rattling
- Perforated 12-gauge steel protects the truck grille from brush and road debris
- Retains factory fog lights and tow hooks, if equipped
- Compatible with front-facing sensors (Options available to accommodate front-facing cameras)
- Super polyester black powder coat finish for superior corrosion resistance
- Easy, direct-bolt installation with no cutting, welding or drilling required
- Customizable, form-fitted and lightweight design with a modern, futuristic style
- 7-gauge smooth steel bumper with 1/4" steel brackets
- Welded grille guard with 12-gauge thick tubing for enhanced protection
- Perforated 12-gauge inserts protects the LED lights, light bar and grille
- Corrosion-resistant, 3/5mm thick, black carbide powder coat finish with liquid-A coat
- Accepts 32" light bar on trucks without sensors and 26" on trucks with sensors
- The original, heavy-duty, 'ranch-style' front bumper made for hardworking trucks
- Built from 4" schedule-40 pipe and diamond-plate steel for dependable strength
- One-piece welded fabrication prevents rattling, while perforated 12-gauge steel protects the truck grille from brush and road debris
- Constructed with 5/16" uprights for high-tensile strength and durability
- Frame-mounted in four locations to reduce vibration and ensure a secure fit
- Comes standard with 2" receiver for tow hook, winch mount or other attachments
- Super polyester black powder coat finish for superior corrosion resistance
- Winch compatible on most models and rated for up to 16,500 lbs. of heavy-duty work and recovery
- High-strength, 1/4" formed C-channel and 3/16" thick diamond-plate steel construction for heavy-duty use
- One-piece welded fabrication prevents rattling
- Perforated 12-gauge steel protects the truck grille from brush and road debris
- Constructed with 5/16" uprights for high-tensile strength and unrivaled toughness and durability
- Custom-punched grille inserts to match the truck manufacturer's grille pattern
- Comes standard with 2" receiver for towing or other attachments
- Super polyester black powder coat finish for superior corrosion resistance
If you're in the market for a Ranch Hand steel bumper for your pickup truck, you've discovered the legendary status that Ranch Hand bumpers have and their reputation for dependability and strength. Although, you may also be wondering which style of bumper is best for your truck. And, If that's the case, we've got you covered
All Ranch Hand products are hand fabricated and made for hard work and longevity and feature the distinctive "ranch style" they're known for — that said, we do have several options and styles available. Today we'll walk you through the different types of truck bumpers and protection products availabe both on the market and through Ranch Hand.
Ranch Hand products are built to take and hit and for this reason, they'll often outlast the truck itself. This means when you purchase your Ranch Hand bumper, it's going to be around for a long while and it's important to choose the right style upfront so you'll be happy with your purchase for years to come.
Read along in this comprehensive guide that'll walk you through the different types of Ranch Hand bumpers and help you determine which style is best suited for your truck and your needs.
Let's dig in.
Every truck is used differently. Some trucks spend their lives on the ranch, others on the job site, meanwhile some trucks are on and off road or even just used as a family vehicle.
Point being — there's different applications and products available, from lighter protection to heavier protection with different styles that'll give you options for the level of protection you need and the style you prefer.
Regardless of your need, Ranch Hand bumpers are trusted and known for their strength and durability. This is because Ranch Hand bumpers are made with thick, durable mild-carbon steel that is sourced from US steel companies. Original, factory bumpers are typically made with thin, lower-gauge metal alloy and don't provide anywhere near the same amount of protection.
We'll start off with our lightest protection and work our way down to the heaviest protection.
If you're looking for lightweight, robust protection for your pickup that will work with your existing factory bumper, then the Ranch Hand Legend series standalone full grille guard is the best option.
Our full grille guard provides front-end protection while looking sharp and preventing the need to remove your existing factory bumper. The Legend standalone full grille guard is constructed with thick, 5/16" uprights and 12-gauge tubing which together provides robust protection and classic style.
Frame mounted in four locations, the full grille guard mounts securely to prevent vibrations and provides strength in the case of an impact. The grille guard also protects the headlights with its wrap around style, and the super polyester powder coat finish provides long-lasting protection from dings, scratches and corrosion.
The Legend series standalone full grille guard features:
If you're looking for utility and push protection in a lightweight package, our push bars offer robust protection and the option to mount sirens, horns and other accessories while utilizing the existing factory bumper.
Ranch Hand push bars pack a big punch in a small package. They offer robust protection when maneuvering through uncertain routes and allow you the option to mount sirens, horns and other accessories while utilizing the existing factory bumper.
Designed for squad trucks and ambulances, our push bars are used by first responders and fleet vehicles when the need for moderate front-end protection and utility is required a lightweight package. They're constructed with thick, 5/16" uprights that provide extended protection and a simple, utilitarian style.
Each push bar is pre-drilled to hold up to four lights, sirens or other accessories and are securely frame mounted in four locations, to prevent vibrations and provide strength in the case of an impact. The super polyester powder coat finish also works hard to provide long-lasting protection from dings, scratches and corrosion while keeping your front end looking sharp and clean.
Trusted on emergency vehicles across the USA, our push bars are a go-to option for when a lightweight option is needed that provides moderate protection and utility.
Ranch Hand standalone push bars feature:
If you're in the market for a steel bumper and want an upgrade from the lightweight factory bumpers that come on most trucks, then a Midnight standalone front bumper will fit the bill.
The Midnight series front bumper comes with the option without a grille guard or bullnose, and will replace your factory bumper with a robustly built, American-made steel bumper that will provide your truck a level of protection that the factory bumper just can't match.
The Midnight series bumper features a smooth-steel construction and a tailored, unique style that is sophisticated, sporty and bold. The form-fitted design stands out and gives an energetic impression while protecting your truck.
The Midnight series front bumper is made from thick, 7-gauge smooth steel and can house up to 4 LED cube lights and up to a 32" light bar. It also comes with perforated steel inserts for the mid-section cut out and wings of the bumper, which protect the LED lights and add sleek style.
The Midnight series bumper is finished with a unique carbide black powder-coat finish and is chemically treated with the A-coat corrosion-resistant treatment.
The Midnight series standalone bumper features:
If you're looking for a tough, sporty style with partial grille protection, a Ranch Hand bullnose bumper is a bold choice.
Our Legend and Summit series bumpers offer a bullnose option and give your truck an aggressive stance that'll make a statement. Bullnose front bumpers are diamond-plate steel bumpers that provide partial grille coverage, and strike the right balance between protection and style.
The bullnose is ideal for those who are looking for sporty, off-road look and aren't concerned about full frontal coverage, which is offered with our full grille guard bumpers.The bullnose bumper features a large, thick tube that will deflect debris and protect while giving a bold, aggressive look.
Let us explain the Summit and Legend series bullnose bumpers further.
All Ranch Hand products are hand fabricated and made for hard work and longevity and feature the distinctive "ranch style" they're known for — that said, we do have several options and styles available. Today we'll walk you through the different types of truck bumpers and protection products availabe both on the market and through Ranch Hand.
Ranch Hand products are built to take and hit and for this reason, they'll often outlast the truck itself. This means when you purchase your Ranch Hand bumper, it's going to be around for a long while and it's important to choose the right style upfront so you'll be happy with your purchase for years to come.
Read along in this comprehensive guide that'll walk you through the different types of Ranch Hand bumpers and help you determine which style is best suited for your truck and your needs.
Let's dig in.
The Differing Levels of Protection Explained — From Light to Moderate to Heavy-Duty
Every truck is used differently. Some trucks spend their lives on the ranch, others on the job site, meanwhile some trucks are on and off road or even just used as a family vehicle.
Point being — there's different applications and products available, from lighter protection to heavier protection with different styles that'll give you options for the level of protection you need and the style you prefer.
Regardless of your need, Ranch Hand bumpers are trusted and known for their strength and durability. This is because Ranch Hand bumpers are made with thick, durable mild-carbon steel that is sourced from US steel companies. Original, factory bumpers are typically made with thin, lower-gauge metal alloy and don't provide anywhere near the same amount of protection.
We'll start off with our lightest protection and work our way down to the heaviest protection.
Ranch Hand Legend™ Series Standalone Full Grille Guards — For Light, Yet Robust Protection with Classic Ranch Style
If you're looking for lightweight, robust protection for your pickup that will work with your existing factory bumper, then the Ranch Hand Legend series standalone full grille guard is the best option.
Our full grille guard provides front-end protection while looking sharp and preventing the need to remove your existing factory bumper. The Legend standalone full grille guard is constructed with thick, 5/16" uprights and 12-gauge tubing which together provides robust protection and classic style.
Frame mounted in four locations, the full grille guard mounts securely to prevent vibrations and provides strength in the case of an impact. The grille guard also protects the headlights with its wrap around style, and the super polyester powder coat finish provides long-lasting protection from dings, scratches and corrosion.
The Legend series standalone full grille guard features:
Ranch Hand Standalone Push Bars — For Light, Yet Robust Protection & Utility Designed for First Responders
If you're looking for utility and push protection in a lightweight package, our push bars offer robust protection and the option to mount sirens, horns and other accessories while utilizing the existing factory bumper.
Ranch Hand push bars pack a big punch in a small package. They offer robust protection when maneuvering through uncertain routes and allow you the option to mount sirens, horns and other accessories while utilizing the existing factory bumper.
Designed for squad trucks and ambulances, our push bars are used by first responders and fleet vehicles when the need for moderate front-end protection and utility is required a lightweight package. They're constructed with thick, 5/16" uprights that provide extended protection and a simple, utilitarian style.
Each push bar is pre-drilled to hold up to four lights, sirens or other accessories and are securely frame mounted in four locations, to prevent vibrations and provide strength in the case of an impact. The super polyester powder coat finish also works hard to provide long-lasting protection from dings, scratches and corrosion while keeping your front end looking sharp and clean.
Trusted on emergency vehicles across the USA, our push bars are a go-to option for when a lightweight option is needed that provides moderate protection and utility.
Ranch Hand standalone push bars feature:
Ranch Hand Midnight™ Series Standalone Bumper — For Moderate Protection With Sporty Style
If you're in the market for a steel bumper and want an upgrade from the lightweight factory bumpers that come on most trucks, then a Midnight standalone front bumper will fit the bill.
The Midnight series front bumper comes with the option without a grille guard or bullnose, and will replace your factory bumper with a robustly built, American-made steel bumper that will provide your truck a level of protection that the factory bumper just can't match.
The Midnight series bumper features a smooth-steel construction and a tailored, unique style that is sophisticated, sporty and bold. The form-fitted design stands out and gives an energetic impression while protecting your truck.
The Midnight series front bumper is made from thick, 7-gauge smooth steel and can house up to 4 LED cube lights and up to a 32" light bar. It also comes with perforated steel inserts for the mid-section cut out and wings of the bumper, which protect the LED lights and add sleek style.
The Midnight series bumper is finished with a unique carbide black powder-coat finish and is chemically treated with the A-coat corrosion-resistant treatment.
The Midnight series standalone bumper features:
Ranch Hand Bullnose Bumpers — For Full Protection With Partial Grille Coverage & Off-Road, Baja Style
If you're looking for a tough, sporty style with partial grille protection, a Ranch Hand bullnose bumper is a bold choice.
Our Legend and Summit series bumpers offer a bullnose option and give your truck an aggressive stance that'll make a statement. Bullnose front bumpers are diamond-plate steel bumpers that provide partial grille coverage, and strike the right balance between protection and style.
The bullnose is ideal for those who are looking for sporty, off-road look and aren't concerned about full frontal coverage, which is offered with our full grille guard bumpers.The bullnose bumper features a large, thick tube that will deflect debris and protect while giving a bold, aggressive look.
Let us explain the Summit and Legend series bullnose bumpers further.
SUMMIT™ SERIES BULLNOSE BUMPERS — FOR BOLD STYLE WITH MODERATE GRILLE COVERAGE AND WEIGHT SAVINGS
If you're looking for robust protection that is lightweight and strong, the Summit series is the choice for you.
The Summit series is hand fabricated from 12-gauge diamond plate steel and is made tough for whatever adventure lies ahead. The unique design balances strength with weight savings, making the Summit Ranch Hand's lightest bumper, ideal for half-ton or mid-size pickups.
The reduced weight helps to prevent overloading the suspension of the truck while still providing robust protection against unforeseen road hazards and impacts. Made from diamond plate steel, the Summit bullnose bumper features a robust, one-piece construction and is hand fabricated in Shiner, Texas.
The Summit series bullnose bumper features:
LEGEND™ SERIES BULLNOSE BUMPERS — THE ORIGINAL RANCH STYLE BUMPER WITH MODERATE GRILLE PROTECTION
The Legend bullnose bumper is the original, tried-and-true ranch-style bumper — and the bullnose option is built for those who desire heavy-duty protection with partial grille coverage along with a sporty, baja style.
Featuring heavy-duty 7-gauge diamond plate steel and hand-fabricated construction in Shiner, Texas — the Legend is our most popular bumper series, due to its classic style and the thick schedule-40 pipe that spans the front of the bumper.
The Legend series bullnose bumper isn't for the light-hearted. Its heavy-duty construction, schedule-40 pipe and diamond plate steel are made for work and offroading. The bullnose option replaces the full wrap-around grille guard with a thick, 2" 12-gauge steel tube, giving protection from offroad and on-road debris.
The Legend series bullnose bumper features:
Ranch Hand Full Grille Guard Bumpers — For Maximum Protection with Unparalleled Strength & Assertive Style
When tough jobs call and unforeseen obstacles occur, Ranch Hand full grille guard bumpers exceed expectations and step up to the task, protecting your truck and passengers from the unexpected.
The Ranch Hand Summit, Midnight, Legend and Sport series bumpers are trusted across the nation by those who work tough jobs and have little time for inferior quality bumpers that look the part but don't measure up to the job.
That's because Ranch Hand full grille guard bumpers are made with the strongest mild-carbon, steel available and are hand fabricated in Shiner, Texas with expert precision and skill. These grille guard bumpers are fabricated with thick 12-gauge steel tube that are up to facing any task.
This results in a bumper that not only looks tough, but will be dependable in an emergency and will protect the truck — likely outlasting the truck itself.
Summit™ Series Full Grille Guard Bumpers — For Maximum Protection With Weight Savings
When you're looking for a tough, ranch-style bumper, you can rely on the Summit series to protect you and your passengers, whether you're on the job, traveling with family or venturing far away from concrete cityscapes.
The Summit series is the go-to full grille guard bumper that offers maximum protection for half-ton and mid-sized pickup trucks — It's built tough to be reliable while remaining lightweight to prevent the overloading of your truck suspension.
The Summit features the best blend of traditional, Ranch Hand style with protection and looks that are guaranteed to make a lasting impression, giving your half-ton rig a bold, tough look.
The Summit full grille guard bumper features:
Midnight™ Series Full Grille Guard Bumpers — For Maximum Protection with Sporty, Sophisticated Style
The Midnight series is built for those who go hard at everything they do, from the job site to the late-night and everything in between.
Featuring a futuristic, form-fitted and lightweight design that is tailored to fit your truck like a glove, the Midnight series is made for those who press forward with little time for looking back.
Built tough with smooth 7-gauge steel and featuring a form-fitted design that is sleek yet stylish, the Midnight series full grille guard is hand fabricated from 12-gauge steel tube and features perforated inserts that protect the truck grille. Capable of fitting up to 4 cube LED lights, the bumper can also fit up to a 32" LED light bar and comes with perforated inserts to protect the light bar and LED lights.
Uniquely designed with sophisticated style, the Midnight series full grille guard bumper is designed for those who live life with momentum and desire a bumper that looks the part.
The Midnight series full grille guard bumper features:
Legend™ Series Full Grille Guard Bumpers — The Original Ranch Style Bumper Made for Maximum Protection
The Ranch Hand Legend series full grille guard bumper has earned its reputation as a workhorse — from the job site to the spotlight, as seen in the popular AMC series Yellowstone.
There's a reason John Dutton's Ram 3500 is equipped with a Ranch Hand Legend series full grille guard bumper. And, when Dutton said, "Leverage is knowing that if someone had all the money in the world, this is what they'd buy", we're obliged to point out that he bought himself the best — the Legend series, the original ranch style bumper that's been hand fabricated in Shiner, Texas since 1986.
Simply stated, the Legend series is a workhorse. Its thick, 4" schedule-40 steel pipe spans the entire length of the bumper and puts the fear of God into the eyes of anything that stands in its way.
The full grille guard is also made tough from 12-gauge steel tube and compliments the robust strength of the bumper with its 5/16" thick full-sized uprights.
The Legend series full grille guard bumper features:
Sport™ Series Full Grille Guard Bumpers — A Brute Workhorse, Winch-Ready Bumper Made for the Most Demanding of Jobs
The Ranch Hand Sport is built for those who work long days and even longer nights — and because of their heavy-duty construction they're trusted for tough jobs on job sites and by fire teams and wildland squads across the nation when emergencies occur and chaos ensues.
When the most robust, dependable bumper is needed for the most challenging of circumstances and jobs, the Ranch Hand Sport is the choice amongst those who brave a fierce challenge. It's made for heavy-duty work and recovery and is capable of housing a 16,500 lb. Warn winch.
Fabricated by hand in Shiner, Texas, it's built for challenges in situations where the untamed reigns, and is ready to recover you from any kind of mishap you encounter on the backroads or job site.
The Sport series features the same dependable construction as the Legend series, but instead features a 1/4" thick piece of C-channel steel that spans the full length of the bumper, giving it even further stopping power and strength, for jobs that require a full-sized 1-2 ton truck and hearty winch setup.
Bottom line — the Sport series pulls its own weight and then some. It's made to handle the most demanding and difficult of jobs, where a little bit of luck and a winch may be required to save the day.
The Ranch Hand Sport series full grille guard bumper features:
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About BullBar, Bullnose, Grille Guard & Brush Guard Bumpers
What is a grille guard?
A grille guard, also known as a brush guard, protects the front end of your pickup truck from road debris or trail debris. A grille guard can come as a standalone grille guard or a grille guard bumper and is typically used to protect from branches, limbs, road debris and even wild animals when driving in rural areas.
What is the difference between a grille guard and a brush guard?
A grille guard is the same thing as a brush guard. The variation in name is used by certain companies to describe virtually the same product. Ranch Hand grille guards protect your truck from road debris, impacts and even wild animals.
What is the difference between a bullbar, a bull bar and a bullnose?
A bullbar, also known as a bullnose, is a U-shaped steel accessory that is typically mounted on the top of an aftermarket steel bumper and provides moderate protection to the truck grill. The bull bar, or bull nose, gives a bold, sporty look, whereas a full grille guard, or brush guard, provides full frontal protection for your truck or SUV. Overall, bullnose bumpers provide a sporty, baja style and are a great choice when a full grille guard isn't needed. Standalone bull bars are also available; these are not attached to the truck bumper but instead mount to the vehicle from the underside chassis.
What is better between a bullbar or a grille guard?
Bullbars, or bullnose, offer moderate protection to the front end of the truck or SUV and deflect road or trail debris downward as the vehicle is traveling, whereas a full grille guard offers more protection by covering the full front end of the vehicle. The difference lies in the level of protection needed and your preferred style, as the bull bar, or bullnose, is smaller and sportier and the grille guard, or brush guard, is larger and more rugged.
What is the benefit of a steel truck bumper?
A steel truck bumper is an aftermarket upgrade that adds a large amount of protection to the front or rear end of your truck or SUV. This is because Ranch Hand aftermarket steel truck bumpers are made with thick, mild-carbon steel that is tremendously stronger over the factory bumper and will protect the truck and passengers in the case of an impact.
How thick are Ranch Hand steel bumpers?
Ranch Hand steel bumpers are made tough for heavy-duty work. Depending on the bumper series, the diamond plate steel is between 7-gauge and 11-gauge thick and the mounting brackets and uprights are between 1/4" and 5/16" thick. These bumpers are made strong and are engineered with precision to offer the best protection available for heavy-duty work and the ranching lifestyle.
Where are Ranch Hand bumpers from?
Ranch Hand steel bumpers have been made in Shiner, Texas since 1986. They're hand-fabricated by welders seasoned with years of experience and are thoroughly designed and expertly crafted to be the best steel aftermarket truck bumpers around.
What is a cattle guard?
A cattle guard is a bumper that protects the front end of your truck in the event of an impact with a cow or animal. A cattle guard, also known as a bullbar or bullnose, helps to protect the truck in the event of an emergency when traveling in more rural areas. A grille guard or brush guard can serve the same purpose. Ranch Hand makes a full lineup of products, from bullnose bumpers to full grille guard bumpers that will protect your truck or SUV in the event of a sudden impact.
What is a bumper versus a grille guard?
An aftermarket steel bumper will protect your truck or SUV far better than a factory bumper. A standalone bumper comes with only the bumper and offers moderate protection, whereas a bullbar bumper, also known as a bull nose or bull bar bumper, will offer further protection in the event of an impact when driving. Ranch Hand offers a full line-up of standalone bumpers, grille guards and bullnose bumpers.