A brief guide to the different types of reversing radar

With vehicle safety at the heart of everything we do, our reversing radar systems comprise a key part of our offering here at Vision Techniques. Designed to prevent costly and sometimes deadly collisions, our radars have been designed for (and widely used by) the industrial, construction and waste sectors, as well as several more besides. Each one has been created to fulfil a specific purpose, so here we’ve explained the key differences between them – so that you’re able to pick the one that best suits your industry.

A quick introduction to our reversing radars

Although certain characteristics differ between our reversing radars, they’re all designed with one key aim: to reduce the risk of collisions, protecting property and most importantly, human life. They essentially do this by constantly measuring the distance between the vehicle and the nearest stationary or moving obstacle, using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave technology for 100% accurate detection.

When the system judges an object to be too close, it uses in-cab visual and audio alarms to alert the driver, giving him ample time to react to the hazard. (Some products will even activate the braking system on the driver’s behalf, for maximum safety.)

All of our radar systems are manufactured in the UK and are resilient against moisture, dust, vibration, water, and the elements. Below, we’ve divided our six reversing radars into two categories: On The Road, and Off Highway.

On the road reversing radars

As the name suggests, these are designed for vehicles which will be spending a significant amount of time out on public highways, either in the course of their primary duties, or while travelling between job sites. While out on public highways, it’s normal for drivers to have to navigate through areas that might require tight manoeuvring, such as residential areas. What’s more, they will have to contend with members of the public on foot and in passing vehicles – some of whom can be more alert than others!

Our reversing radars are particularly useful for vehicles operating in the municipal or waste industries, as the latest RIDDOR reports note that 28% of accidents caused in the workplace are due to being struck by a moving vehicle.

VT Banksman

• Suitable vehicles:
• HGVs
• Any other on-road vehicle

VT Banksman is an intelligent detection system has been specifically designed for on-road commercial vehicles. Our trademark state-of-the-art programmable reversing radar uses FMCW technology to detect moving and stationary objects with flawless accuracy. Operators can designate three programmable detection zones, with the audio and visual cues becoming more intense as the vehicle approaches the final zone, and the driver gets closer to the impending collision. It’s an invaluable measure to eliminate the dangerous blindspots of HGVs and other vehicles, and works in both forward and reverse.

VT Banksman Auto Braking

• Suitable vehicles:
• HGVs
• Any other on-road vehicle

An award-winning variation of our VT banksman technology, the VT Banksman Auto Braking radar works in exactly the same way and shares the same benefits, with the exception of a critical additional measure. If the driver fails to react to the in-cab audio and visual cues, the system will automatically apply the brakes, thereby completely removing any risk of collision. Of course, the driver may still need to reverse after the brakes have activated, for example to navigate the HGV out of a tight spot. A manual override can be activated to allow them to do this.

The system is also fitted with a Brake Logic Box, which logs all range changes, brake activations, overrides and faults – so that fleet operators always have access to a comprehensive log that can provide full accountability.

VT 2Ghz new radar

• Suitable vehicles:
• HGVs
• Any other on-road vehicle

As one of the newest systems we’ve developed here at Vision Techniques, our 2Ghz radar operates similarly to the VT Banksman. It uses three pre-set beam detection patterns to alert the driver of any hazards entering these zones, through the use of in-cab and visual alarms. The key difference is that its ultrasonic technology offers an improved range, and it’s especially useful for detecting hazards in difficult conditions such as the dark, heavy rain or fog.

Its three pre-set detection zones are as follows:

• Narrow – 2.5m width – 4m length
• Medium 4m width – 6.5m length
• Wide – 6m width – 7m length

The 2Ghz new radar uses an open frequency that means it can be used worldwide, and can be set to constant use, or only triggered when in reverse gear.

Off highway reversing radars

Our reversing radars are popular with fleet operators of mobile plant machinery and other industrial vehicles. It’s easy to see why – the rate of fatal injury in construction is four times higher than in any other industry. A significant proportion of these fatal injuries involve being struck by a moving vehicle.

There are a range of other factors which can increase the likelihood of this scenario, including night working and other environments with low visibility. People working on construction sites are also typically more likely to be wearing ear defenders, which can sometimes prevent them from hearing oncoming dangers. Finally, certain types of industrial vehicles, such as forklifts, are very small and reasonably fast-moving. This makes moving vehicles a particular risk, and an obvious choice for additional safety measures.

VT VMS Autobraking

• Suitable vehicles:
• Small forklift truck
• Rigid dumper
• Wheel loader

VMS Autobraking operates similarly to the VT Banksman radar we’ve outlined above. It uses three programmable detection zones to measure the distance from the nearest stationary or mobile hazard, and uses in-cab audible and visual alarms to keep the driver aware of these oncoming hazards. If for whatever reasons the driver fails to react in time, the system will automatically apply the brakes, protecting property and (most importantly) human life. It can be manually overridden if the driver requires, and an in-built Brake Logic Box keeps track of all range changes, brake activations, overrides and faults – ensuring total accountability at all times.

VT Sensorvision

• Suitable vehicles:
• Small forklift truck
• Rigid dumper
• Wheel loader

A sophisticated reversing radar designed specifically for a range of off-highway mobile plant machinery, VT Sensorvision employs FMCE tech for 100% accuracy in measuring the distance to the nearest hazards, whether they’re stationary or mobile. Drivers or operators can set three customised detection patterns, which give out distinct and increasingly urgent warnings as the driver nears a potential collision. They can be set to activate in forward or reversing motion, ensuring that blindspots are eliminated and all blindspots covered.

VT Sensorvision Drive

Suitable vehicles:
Forward tipping dumper vehicles

Our VT Sensorvision Drive radar has been designed specifically for forward-tipping dumper vehicles, including 3-tonne, 6-tonne and 9-tonne dumpers. The size of dumpers in particular makes them a significant danger, especially given the enclosed environments in which they frequently operate.

This is a forward-facing radar system that shares the same key benefits as our other products, using advanced FMCE technology for 100% accuracy in avoiding collisions. It also uses customised detection patterns to measure the distance to the nearest potential hazard. Notably, its passive systems provide drivers with essential visuals and awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings. When a potential collision becomes gradually more likely, Sensorvision Drive uses visual and audible signals to draw the driver’s attention to the appropriate screen, helping them to take the safest action in ample time.

VT Sensorvision Drive has been designed so that the vehicle in question can be fitted with looms, allowing the radar and cab panel to be stored on a shelf until it’s required. What’s more, it won’t trigger annoying false alarms when tipping, due to specially-designed proximity sensors that de-activate the alarms.

This is just the key bits of information about each product – for more detail, feel free to visit the individual product pages we’ve linked above, or go straight to our reversing radar section. Don’t forget that if you’ve got any questions or need any advice, our team is always here to help – just give us a quick call on 01254 679 717!