Armadillo Truck-Mounted Attenuator (TMA) Hire

MASH 2016 TL-3 certified crash protection for your roadwork crews and traffic control operations — mounted and ready to hire.

Certified Mobile Protection for High-Risk Work Zones

A Truck-Mounted Attenuator (TMA) serves as the primary physical barrier between live traffic and your ground personnel during mobile, short-term, or lane-closure operations.

Uphire now offers complete work trucks equipped with the Verdegro Armadillo TMA, the latest evolution in truck-mounted crash cushions. Certified to the rigorous MASH 2016 TL-3 impact standard, the Armadillo absorbs the kinetic force of errant vehicles approaching at speeds up to 100 km/h. By hiring from Uphire, your team gets instant access to fully compliant shadow-vehicle protection without the capital commitment or maintenance overhead of ownership.

Key Highlights

For enhanced worker safety and operational efficiency, all machines include:

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ARMADILLO TMA FEATURES

Uphire logo.

IN-HOUSE TRANSPORT

SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT

TAILORED SOLUTIONS

24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE

FREE ON-SITE INSPECTIONS

COMPLIANCE & TRAINING

INFORMATION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Uphire Armadillo represents a significant leap forward in Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) engineering, designed specifically to meet the rigorous MASH 2016 TL-3 safety standards. Unlike traditional systems that rely on complex multi-stage extensions, the Armadillo utilizes a patented single-cushion design. This innovation simplifies the mechanical footprint, reducing the number of moving parts and potential failure points while maintaining elite-level crash protection at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

Engineering & Performance

Built for durability and ease of use, the Armadillo replaces delicate electronic sensors with a robust hydraulic power pack. This “sensor-free” approach ensures the system remains operational in harsh, debris-heavy work zones where electronics often fail.

  • Rapid Deployment: The system transitions from a vertical transport position to a horizontal operational state in under 20 seconds, even while the vehicle is moving at speeds up to 80 kph (50 mph).

  • Structural Integrity: The unit features a galvanised steel support structure paired with a high-grade aluminium crash cushion. It includes integrated rear under-ride protection (RUP) to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding beneath the truck frame during an impact.

Operational Efficiency

One of the Armadillo’s most practical advantages is its upright transport configuration. At a height of 12.9 ft (3.94 m), the unit sits compactly behind the cab, preserving 100% access to the truck’s flatbed. This allows crews to utilize the vehicle for tools, cones, and materials without the attenuator obstructing the workspace.

Smart Integration (Optional)

The Armadillo is ready for the modern digital worksite. Through optional Mobitrack integration, the system can provide real-time location data and status updates (cushion up/down). This data can be synced with safety alert platforms like Waze and Google Maps, automatically warning oncoming motorists of the work zone’s presence to further mitigate the risk of collision.

MEASUREMENTS

  • Transport Height: 3940 mm (12.9 ft)
  • Operational Length: 4360 mm (14.3 ft)
  • Overall Width: 2300 mm (7.6 ft)
  • System Weight: Approx. 950 kg (2095 lbs)
  • Power Compatibility: 12 Vdc or 24 Vdc (175 A / 350 A plugs)
  • Construction: Galvanised steel frame with Aluminium cushion

PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY

The Uphire Armadillo is engineered to deliver superior crash performance while simplifying the technology required to achieve it. By moving away from complex electronic feedback loops, the Armadillo provides a more reliable and cost-effective solution for high-speed work zones.

Crash Performance

  • MASH 2016 TL-3 Certified: Rigorously tested to withstand impacts from vehicles up to 2,270 kg (5,000 lbs) at speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph).

  • Optimised Ride-Down: The patented single-cushion design is engineered to manage G-forces effectively, providing a smooth deceleration that protects both the impacting driver and the truck operator.

  • Under-Ride Protection: Features integrated steel framework designed to prevent “underride”—ensuring impacting vehicles are safely contained by the cushion rather than sliding beneath the host truck.

Patented Technology

  • Sensor-Free Engineering: Unlike traditional TMAs that rely on electronic sensors and multiple motors, the Armadillo uses a simplified hydraulic system. This removes common failure points caused by vibration, moisture, and road debris.

  • Single-Stage Deployment: The Armadillo’s “direct-action” hydraulics allow it to deploy in one continuous motion in under 20 seconds. This can be safely performed while the vehicle is moving at speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph).

  • Maintenance-Focused Design: By using a single-cushion element and a sealed hydraulic power pack, the system requires significantly less scheduled maintenance and is easier to inspect for operational readiness.

Smart Site Integration

The Armadillo is a “connected” safety device. Through the Mobitrack module, the unit provides:

  • Live GPS Tracking: Real-time location data for fleet management.

  • Status Monitoring: Remote confirmation of whether the cushion is in the ‘Up’ (transport) or ‘Down’ (operational) position.

  • Public Safety Alerts: Seamless integration with Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps to automatically warn motorists of active work zones as soon as the system is deployed.

TESTING & ACCREDATION

  • Fully MASH 2016 TL-3 tested and approved.
  • Certified for impacts at 100 km/h (62 mph).
  • Compliant with all MASH 3-50, 3-51, 3-52, and 3-53 test levels.
  • Successfully passed the UK optional 110K high-speed test (TD49/07).
  • Meets optional MASH test 3-54 for enhanced safety.
  • Fully CE marked and EMC compliant.
  • Official crash test certifications provided with every unit.
  • Patented design protected by international safety patents.
  • Engineered to maintain strict safety standards in all weather conditions.

OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

These outstanding results could not be achieved without the dedication of our wonderful team and the support of our valued customers.

Hassan

My experience with Uphire was excellent. Their customer service is outstanding, and they collaborate with clients in a very supportive way.

Thank you again, Uphire!
Mitchell

Uphire has been the first and only company I have used to hire machines through. They have never let me down, always delivered on time and have a great team that are very easy and friendly to work with. Would highly recommend!

Lyn

Specialised Spider lights and Scissor lifts were needed, often at short notice. Simon from Uphire made our project smooth and efficient. Thanks!

I highly recommend Uphire.
Steve
The crew from Uphire provide Penrith with a great hiring service that is by far, the best that I have come across. It is a seamless effort to place an order and they provide the right machine for the job that I am after. I would recommend them to anyone.
Hitchens Self Storage
Used Up Hire twice got the scissor lifts out quickly great to deal with reasonably priced and great service Nigel & the team are fantastic highly recommend Trevor.
Yvonne
Uphire's Sentri Gate's remotes had great reach, lightweight making it easy to remove from the vehicles and easy to set up. This helped with a smooth setup and pack down on nightshift so thank you!

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WHY CHOOSE UPHIRE?

We’re an award-winning, Australian-owned independent supplier to some of Australia’s biggest projects, we take a tailored, can-do approach to helping you achieve the outcomes you want.

Armadillo Truck-Mounted Attenuator (TMA) Hire

A truck-mounted attenuator (TMA) is the last line of defence in a mobile or short-term work zone. Mounted on the back of a truck, it absorbs the energy of an errant vehicle before it reaches your crew. UPhire now hires trucks fitted with the Armadillo TMA, so you get certified protection without buying and maintaining the equipment yourself.

Certified to MASH 2016 TL-3

Fully crash-tested and approved to the MASH 2016 TL-3 standard, tested at 100 km/h (62 mph). You get documented, current-standard protection on every hire.

Specs Value
OVERALL WIDTH
PLATFORM CAPACITY
PLATFORM HEIGHT
PLATFORM SIZE
WEIGHT

*Specifications on this website are to be used as a guide only. Variations in weight and size can occur according to year model and special features. Please contact us if you have any further questions regarding specifications.

**Lift capacity reduces when reach is extended

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