Ex-Guard has introduced the Ex-Guard Max, billing it as the company’s most advanced front-end protection system to date.

The company says it’s the strongest, highest-rated extreme-duty grille guard, designed for Classes 6-8 trucks. It offers enhanced steer tire protection and is the first to be independently tested and validated to meet international standard (UN ECE R93) for front underrun mitigation.

“We’ve independently tested the Max to be the strongest, most protective grille guard we’ve ever built,” said Jeremy Drever, director of engineering at Ex-Guard.

“This guard is effective at mitigating front-end damage caused by wildlife and other vehicles, as well as frequent, minor incidents that often occur around the yard or at truck stops. In addition to our own rigorous validation, the guard has been independently tested – providing customers with confidence that it delivers protection above and beyond current regulations. As a result, this solution can help fleets significantly save on maintenance and replacement part costs when incidents do occur.”

Advancements include VISR Bar, a new 8-gauge high-tensile steel low bar with steel plate gusseting to withstand head-on and angled impact scenarios. It also provides additional protection for collision mitigation system radars, fog lamps and steer tires.

“The VISR Bar was developed in direct response to feedback from fleets and OEM partners,” said Drever. “It strengthens the guard in some of the most impact-prone areas while helping ensure compatibility with advanced vehicle systems. The result is added durability and confidence for fleets looking to protect critical components without compromising performance.”

A new front underrun mitigation system helps to keep vehicles from sliding beneath the truck in certain impact scenarios. Underrun protection isn’t required in North America but was tested to international standards.

And Steer Tire Defender 3.0 was designed to redirect impact forces away from the steer tires.

“Steer tires are among the most critical components on any truck,” said Drever. “Damage to this area can create major risks for equipment and operations. With the Ex-Guard Max and its Steer Tire Defender 3.0 rating, we’ve engineered our strongest protection yet to help fleets safeguard this vulnerable area and reduce the potential for costly repairs and downtime.”