For security, traffic-calming and protection for landscape and streetscape architecture, bollards are now standard features in many project designs.

Initially built for practicality only, they are now made in many different styles to provide architectural and landscaping accents.

A range of locally made bollards from Maxwood Manufacturings uses marine-grade 316 stainless-steel for practicality and striking appearance. Many technical innovations have been built-in to take the B2 range of bollards past the simple ‘post in the ground’ concept.

All models in the range match each other in appearance, allowing a mix of designs within an installation, such as a row of fixed bollards with two or three drop-down retractable types in the middle, to allow vehicle access when required. All models are fitted with a ground-level flange to ensure they are all installed at the same height. The flange can also cover cut paving tiles, to make a tidier installation.

The popular B2.c Retractable can be used in pedestrian malls where vehicle access is required for early morning deliveries, or in car parks that need to be closed-off after hours.

The bollard consists of an inner and outer sieve with a cam-lock system operated by a special-purpose tightening key and can be locked in the fully raised position or at any height including fully retracted. Standard turn-key locks can seize-up just when they are needed due to damage from rain, road grime and vehicle traffic.
If the B2.c bollard suffers a serious impact that damages it beyond repair, the inner sleeve can be removed and replaced without having to excavate the outer sleeve from the ground.

The B2.a Self-righting models can be used in high-traffic areas where the bollard is likely to be occasionally nudged by vehicles. If they are pushed over from any direction up to 45º they will self-right to vertical once the vehicle has moved clear.

Fitted with a powerful spring they cannot be pushed over by hand. When the self-righting models are pushed over from any direction up to 45º they self-right to vertical when the vehicle has moved clear. If the bollard is struck with some force, a snap-pin inside the bollard will break, allowing the bollard to fall to the ground but remain attached to the base with a security chain.

This feature allows the vehicle to back off without the bollard springing up under it and the bollard can easily be put back into position with a new snap-pin fitted.

Complementing the B2 stainless-steel bollard range are removable bollards with built-in safety hole covers. Fixed-position bollards are a lower-cost option. Other models outside the B2 series are ones which glow in the dark; battery-powered and remote-operated car-park barriers; and heavy-duty powered-rising bollards that can be operated with swipe-cards or by remote-control.

(Further information: www.bollards.co.nz).