'Handles' on rear crossmember- what are they for?

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FlyingPete

FlyingPete

Well-Known Member
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Bit of a noob-ish question but one that's been bugging me since I got the 90. Those grab handle things on the corners of the rear crossmember on some 90/110 and series- what are their purpose? They're clearly too weak to be used as a recovery point or anything like that, and there's nothing obvious that would want a hand-hold in that position.

e.g: the galvanised ones on this series 3...
land-rover-series-iii-1977-9.jpg
 
Well as its a series 3 the handles are there to make it easy to carry the only rust free bit of the chassis home!

Parts book lists them as a lifting handle.
 
I always thought they were there to hold whilst you man-handle a trailer onto the hitch. Although I like the idea of tying the dog to them.
 
They are listed as a grab handle, as that is what they were originally designed as, but they were fitted as bumperettes intended to protect the rear lights from scrub and low speed reversing impacts. Whether it was by design or fluke, they are also very handy as steps and for tying stuff to etc.
 
I don't think most can use them as "lifting handles" unless you are Geoff capes, I think a combination of the above, useful for tying things onto the roof/back. Definitely handy if grabbing at attachments on the PTO which LR wanted folk to use.
 
ER1C said:
I don't think most can use them as "lifting handles" unless you are Geoff capes, I think a combination of the above, useful for tying things onto the roof/back. Definitely handy if grabbing at attachments on the PTO which LR wanted folk to use.
Click to expand...
the original series wasnt so heavy and one of the ideas carried over from the jeep ,which had them secured to the tub
 
They were always known as bumperettes back in the day. And they will give some protection to the lights in the event of careless reversing.
I imagine a full rear bumper was considered undesirable as it might interfere with ground clearance and loading things in the rear tailgate.
They might have been useful to lift the rear tub off a series one truck cab or similar, although this use would have disappeared as the vehicles got heavier and more complex.
 
If they are listed as 'lifting handles', then I suspect they are hangover from the Jeep design.

Note the Jeep has a very similar looking handle just behind the door (and another at the rear):
1944WillysMB_01_1500.jpg


These are there, because when stuck, they can be used to man handle the vehicle, either rocking it, or lifting the body up off the axles a bit.

Obviously the Birmabirght body of a Land Rover is too week and flexible to have handles on the side the same. And as the Land Rover wasn't designed as a primary military vehicle, the need is somewhat less. But I suspect that is there origin and original intention.

The fact they make a semi useful step, or some very minor rear impact protection is just a bonus.
 
Thor1950 said:
they are steps, to help short arsed people get in. like a kiddy booster seat
Click to expand...
They aren't really any use to get in, as they aren't under the door/tailgate. They might be of some use to stand on and get stuff of a roofrack.
Never really thought much about them, although I always have them, they are such a nice original touch.
The idea of them as an aid to recovery is a new one to me! I wouldn't fancy getting in that area around a stuck vehicle myself. would have thought it was pretty dangerous if the vehicle lurched back, or suddenly gained traction.
 
Turboman said:
The idea of them as an aid to recovery is a new one to me! I wouldn't fancy getting in that area around a stuck vehicle myself. would have thought it was pretty dangerous if the vehicle lurched back, or suddenly gained traction.
Click to expand...
If you watch any of the History of Jeep vids you might see them in use.

Imagine a vehicle in soft mud, sat on the axles. You might have 6 people in the car, but no winch or other recovery. You could easily man handle a vehicle to try and get traction. But they would need something to hold onto.

The handles might not be ideally placed on a Land Rover Series, but as you can see from the other pics, that is clearly their intended use, as they are the exact same handles (note the bolt pattern).

Situations like this:
88b249c33dafda52e058709bde0a91af.jpg
 
300bhp/ton said:
If you watch any of the History of Jeep vids you might see them in use.

Imagine a vehicle in soft mud, sat on the axles. You might have 6 people in the car, but no winch or other recovery. You could easily man handle a vehicle to try and get traction. But they would need something to hold onto.

The handles might not be ideally placed on a Land Rover Series, but as you can see from the other pics, that is clearly their intended use, as they are the exact same handles (note the bolt pattern).

Situations like this:
88b249c33dafda52e058709bde0a91af.jpg
Click to expand...
Thanks for the offer, but I think I will pass on the Jeep vids! :rolleyes: :)
Interesting pic of the stuck Willys, though. I guess the handles could be useful with older, lighter vehicles. Bit hernia inducing with a fully laden Defender 110 station wagon, though! :D Specially as the handles are so low! :D
4wd tractor and long chain works well for me! :)
 
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