Vehicles home on the range

By Dion Teasdale
LIFE has become a little easier for rangers working in the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the animals they collect, with the delivery of brand new custom-built vehicles.
The shire has purchased six Toyota Hilux Space Cab 4WDs utes with improved safety features, increased storage and improved animal accommodation.
Yarra Ranges Ranger Richard Watson said the new vehicles, which meet Occupational Health and Safety and Animal Carrying Code of Practice requirements, enabled rangers to carry animals more safely.
“The utes are fitted with a custom-built cabin that attaches to the tray. It has separate compartments that can be adjusted to accommodate a range of animals,” he said.
“The animals are kept separate, preventing injury – this can also assist in preventing the spread of germs and disease.”
Mr Watson said the vehicles also feature a retractable ramp to assist in the loading of heavier animals, a power ventilation system to provide comfort for animals in summer, and a high-pressure water hose to readily maintain cleanliness.
“The ramp is a fantastic addition; it enables us to guide the animal into the compartments instead of having to lift them. This is particularly useful with large or aggressive animals,” he said.
The vehicles are also fitted with up-to-date safety features, including SRS airbags and amber halogen strobe lights to assist with visibility while on the roadside.
“There is no doubt that the new vehicles will make our job both easier and safer,” Mr Watson said.
He said there would also be long-term economic benefits, with the cabin able to be removed and fitted to a new vehicle.
“The cabins have a life span of 20 years, so we anticipate making considerable savings in the long term. It will eliminate the need to replace the cabin every time the fleet is replaced,” Mr Watson said.
Four of the six vehicles are already on the road, with the final two expected to be delivered soon.