Oversize Gear for Piloting – Video Answering FAQs

Check out this video to find out answers to the most commonly asked questions about Oversize Gear. 

Supersized signage range for oversized vehicles, loads

Oversize load and pilot vehicle signage are integral to helping make New Zealand roads safer for everyone. At TransQuip, we have the most comprehensive range of hazard panels, wide load and pilot vehicle signs, lights, LED wands, and other accessories. These are used throughout the country in agriculture, by contractors and specialist haulage companies, and by anyone needing to transport heavy equipment that falls under NZTA oversize load regulations.

Before you begin

Understandably, given the significant risks, this is an area that is very tightly regulated. For all details of regulations governing over-dimension (oversize) vehicles and oversize loads, visit the Waka Kotahi NZTA website https://nzta.govt.nz and type Fact Sheet 53a into Search.

All signage and accessories must always be deployed in strict compliance with the NZTA’s requirements. Failing to do so can (and does) result in substantial fines. 

Signs and hazard panels must not be used unless they are required to be. For this reason, consider whether the signs you use may need to be easily attached and detached if different-sized loads are transported.

Check, check and doublecheck

Although hazard panels and oversized vehicle and pilot vehicle signs are designed to be tough, they should be checked regularly for any damage and ensure they are still securely affixed (if permanent). For agricultural equipment, particularly, this should be part of vehicle inspections at the start of each new season.

Hazard panels – How to find the right one for the job

Sentinel hazard panels are available in single-sided, double-sided and adhesive – to suit every vehicle and task. The yellow-green panels have a diagonal orange stripe – signifying an oversized vehicle and oversized load. All Sentinel aluminium hazard panels are suitable for day and night use and comply with AS/NZ 1906.1: 2007.

Most popular

The most commonly used hazard panels are 400 x 300mm, single-sided panels. They come in left-hand and right-hand panels and are displayed two at the front of the vehicle and two at the rear.

The retroreflective sign’s aluminium backing means that if it is hit by an odd tree branch, it can easily be bent back into shape. 

400 x 300mm double-sided panels are also available. These are typically used where an oversize load is very short—for example, a seed drill—or if there is no easy place to mount the signs on the front or rear extremities. 

Budget-conscious

Aluminium composite single-sided and double-sided hazard panels are the same size as alloy panels but have two thin layers of aluminium with plastic between them. 

These cost less, making them popular in situations where panels are frequently damaged (e.g., agriculture). Their downside is that if they are hit by something, they are more difficult to bend back into shape, so they will likely need replacing. 

When space is tight

Also available are 600 x 200mm hazard panels with a 200mm diagonal stripe. Select from single or double-sided aluminium alloy or adhesive. Used on the backs of fertiliser or shingle spreaders, they are excellent where displaying a standard 400 x 300mm would be impractical.

Mounting made easy

Aluminium hazard panels can be mounted permanently (rivetted or bolted) or on a bracket so they can be taken on and off as required. A telescopic mounting kit is also ready to fit your vehicle—find out more about how it works Here.

Sticking to the curves

Adhesive hazard panels are another option. They are long-lasting, quick, and easy to apply to compliant vehicles and are ideal for curved surfaces, such as mudguards. 

Oversize vehicle signs

With “Oversize” in black lettering on a yellow-green background with a black border, these warn road users to take particular care.

The most widely used oversize vehicle signs are 1100 x 300mm. Manufactured in solid aluminium, they are strong, lightweight, long-lived, and won’t rust—important in New Zealand’s often harsh climate. If the signs are accidentally damaged, they can be easily bent back into shape. 
The signs can be mounted by drilling holes in each end and securing them with anti-luce fasteners. This means, the sign can be put on and taken off, as required. (Some people reverse them when not in use – so only the aluminium back is visible, or you can display your company name here.)  

A bit less common are half panels designed to be used together. (One with“Over”and the other with“Size”). Like the larger panels, they are made from aluminium and can be drilled through and mounted using anti-luce fasteners. They are often used on raised ramps at the rear of the vehicle.

Both these full-panel and half-panel options are suitable for daytime and nighttime use. 

The flexible material is printed with the Oversize sign for daytime use only. Because of its flexibility, it is popular on truck grilles or bull bars. Always ensure that it is securely tied on and that the Oversize message is legible. When not in use, it can be rolled up and put away behind the truck’s seats or in the glovebox.

Advance warning

Wide Load Follows signs are one of the most readily recognised warning signs on our roads. 

Wide Load Follows signs, in black type with a black border on a retroreflective green-yellow background, are usually mounted on the roof of an official pilot vehicle. (The Pilot Vehicle sign is often on the reverse, in white type on black.) 

Single-sided Pilot Vehicle signs are also available.

Wide Load Follows signs can be customized, or you can get words to cover the original sign to say, “Long Load Ahead,” “Long Load Follows,” “Wide Load Ahead,” etc., depending on Waka Kotahi LTSA requirements.

Holding tight

The Wide Load Follows sign holder is an instrumental piece of kit for Pilot Vehicles that only need to display the signage when piloting. Designed for atop the pilot vehicle’s cab, simple “R” clips (retaining pins) support a strong but lightweight fold-up frame, with the sign mounted securely into the front of the holder. Rubber packs stop vibration when the sign is not in use – which could otherwise be noisy and annoy or distract the driver. Typically, the holder would sit on the vehicle roof rack, with the flashing beacon sitting just below and in front of it. When not in use, the holder folds flat.

Plus, everything else you need!

TransQuip has an extensive range of accessories for pilot vehicles and over-dimension loads. These include amber and magenta flashing lights and beacons, and bar lights in a range of compliant configurations. Also, a range of grille lights.

Our specially designed pilot vehicle Stop/Slow wands have short handles so they can easily be used out the vehicle window to warn other traffic, without creating a hazard in the cab. 

Red (or red and green) light wands with a torchlight on end, and a magnet on the base (to prevent them from getting lost) are ideally sized to be operated out of a pilot vehicle window and stored in a glove box. They also feature a handy little belt clip and a wrist loop. 

All at your fingertips

TransQuip’s Sentinel products are quick and easy to order online, or you can call one of our helpful team members to discuss your needs.

Note: This article does not constitute legal advice.