With 100% NZ made KNAPP spreader beams, man cages, excavator attachments and skid steer attachments,
Knapp Product Range
DO MORE with KNAPP Attachments - Solutions That Work As Hard As You Do
At Knapp Attachments, we build gear that meets or exceeds New Zealand safety standards, gets properly certified, and actually performs when you need it most. Whether you're in construction, civil engineering, earthmoving, warehousing, manufacturing, or agriculture – we've got the gear you need and the expertise to back it up.
SPREADER BEAMS – BECAUSE YOUR LOADS DESERVE PROPER SUPPORT
Let's talk about spreader beams for a minute, because if you're lifting anything heavy, awkward, or expensive, this is gear you absolutely cannot afford to get wrong.
A spreader beam (sometimes called a lifting spreader or spreader bar) is essentially a rigid beam that converts a single lifting point into multiple lifting points. Instead of your load hanging from one central point , which can cause instability, damage, or dangerous swinging – a spreader beam distributes the weight across two or more points. This means better balance, more control, and significantly less stress on your crane rigging or hoist system.
Our New Zealand made spreader beams are engineered for real-world applications. We're talking about everything from lifting steel beams and precast concrete panels to moving shipping containers, machinery, and building materials on construction sites across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and everywhere in between. These aren't flimsy offshore imports that look good in the catalogue but buckle under pressure. These are proper engineered lifting beams built to handle the demanding conditions of New Zealand worksites.
Every spreader beam we manufacture goes through rigorous testing and comes with full certification documentation. We calculate safe working loads, design for the specific applications our clients need, and ensure every weld, every connection point, and every piece of hardware meets the strict requirements of New Zealand Health and Safety regulations. When you're hoisting valuable equipment or working around your crew, there's simply no room for second-rate gear.
The beauty of a quality spreader beam system is the versatility it brings to your lifting operations. Need to lift a long, awkward load without it tilting? Spreader beam. Want to reduce the angle of your slings to improve lifting efficiency? Spreader beam. Working with delicate equipment that can't handle concentrated lifting forces? You guessed it – spreader beam. We can custom fabricate these to your exact specifications, whether you need a compact beam for tight warehouse spaces or a heavy-duty industrial spreader for massive civil engineering projects.
View our huge range of Spreader Beams here.
LIFTING BEAMS – ENGINEERED FOR SAFETY, BUILT FOR DURABILITY
Now, while spreader beams and lifting beams might sound similar (and yeah, some people use the terms interchangeably), there are some key differences worth understanding. A lifting beam typically handles the load differently – often with the lifting points positioned directly above the load connection points, putting the beam under bending stress rather than compression. The right choice depends entirely on your specific application, and that's where our engineering expertise comes into play.
Our custom lifting beams are designed and fabricated to suit the unique requirements of New Zealand industries. Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, marine operations, or industrial maintenance, we can engineer a lifting beam solution that improves safety, efficiency, and compliance on your job site. These aren't one-size-fits-all solutions – we take the time to understand your lifting requirements, the environment you're working in, and the specific challenges you face.
What makes our lifting beams stand out? It starts with quality materials and proper engineering principles. We use high-grade structural steel, specify the correct load ratings for your applications, and design beams with appropriate safety factors built in. Every beam is proof load tested and comes with the certification you need to satisfy WorkSafe New Zealand requirements and keep your site compliant during inspections.
But beyond the technical specs, what really matters is reliability. When you're paying your crew by the hour and you've got deadlines breathing down your neck, the last thing you need is equipment failure causing delays. Our lifting beams are built to show up day after day, job after job, without drama. They're the kind of gear you stop thinking about because they just work – which is exactly how it should be.
We also offer inspection, recertification, and maintenance services for lifting equipment. Because even the best gear needs regular checks to ensure it stays safe and compliant. We can handle your existing equipment (even if you didn't buy it from us) and keep everything properly documented for your health and safety records.
MAN CAGES – GETTING YOUR CREW SAFELY TO HEIGHT
Right, let's talk about man cages, because this is one area where you absolutely, positively cannot afford to cut corners or take chances with dodgy gear.
A man cage (also called a personnel basket, work platform, or elevated work platform) is designed to safely lift workers to height so they can perform tasks that can't be done from ground level. Whether it's maintenance work, building inspections, installation jobs, or construction tasks, a properly engineered man cage is often the safest and most efficient solution for working at height.
Here's the thing though – not all man cages are created equal. In fact, some of the imported rubbish we've seen floating around New Zealand worksites would make your hair stand on end. Inadequate railings, questionable welds, missing safety features, dodgy attachment points – it's a recipe for disaster. And when you're lifting people instead of just materials, the stakes are infinitely higher.
Our New Zealand made man cages are engineered to meet or exceed all relevant safety standards. We're talking about proper edge protection, secure harness attachment points, stable platforms with anti-slip surfaces, and robust construction that can handle the dynamic forces involved in crane lifting operations. Every man cage we build is designed with operator safety as the absolute top priority, because at the end of the day, everyone needs to go home safe to their families.
We manufacture man cages in various sizes and configurations to suit different applications. Need a compact single-person cage for quick maintenance tasks? We've got you covered. Require a larger platform for multiple workers and tools? No worries. Looking for a custom design to meet specific site requirements or unusual access challenges? That's our specialty. We work with you to understand the job requirements and engineer a solution that keeps your crew safe while getting the work done efficiently.
All our man cages come with full certification, inspection documentation, and clear safe working load specifications. We also provide guidance on proper use, lifting procedures, and the safety protocols you need to follow to keep your operations compliant with New Zealand workplace safety regulations. Because the best equipment in the world is only safe when it's used correctly.
Take a look at our Crane Man Cages
EXCAVATOR ATTACHMENTS – TRANSFORMING YOUR MACHINE INTO A MULTI-TOOL POWERHOUSE
Let's be honest – a standard excavator bucket is brilliant for what it does, but it's not the right tool for every job. That's where quality excavator attachments come into play, turning your digger into a versatile machine that can tackle a massive range of tasks without needing to bring in specialty equipment.
Our New Zealand manufactured excavator attachments are built tough for the harsh conditions Kiwi contractors face. We're talking about gear that can handle everything from rocky Coromandel terrain to sticky Waikato clay to the brutal coastal environments around Wellington and Dunedin. These attachments aren't delicate – they're engineered to be belted around on real job sites by real operators who need gear that keeps working shift after shift.
What kind of excavator attachments do we make? Quick hitch couplers that let you swap between tools in seconds instead of mucking around with pins and bolts. Hydraulic thumb attachments that give you precise control when you're handling awkward materials or sorting through demolition waste. Heavy-duty rippers for breaking up hard ground, rock, or old concrete. Grabs and grapples for moving logs, rocks, or debris. Trenching buckets designed for narrow, precise digging. Tilt buckets for working on slopes or drainage applications.
The beauty of quality excavator attachments is the efficiency they bring to your operations. Instead of booking multiple pieces of specialized equipment or doing things the slow, manual way, you can adapt your existing excavator to handle the job. This saves you time, saves you money, and reduces the number of machines you need on site – which is especially valuable when you're working in tight urban environments or remote locations where every piece of gear needs to be transported in.
We can custom fabricate excavator attachments to suit specific applications or unusual requirements. Maybe you need a specialized demolition tool, a unique material handling attachment, or something designed to work with a particular machine model. We'll work with you to understand the application, engineer a proper solution, and fabricate gear that fits your excavator and meets your operational needs. All our attachments are designed with proper attachment points, adequate strength for the task, and the durability to handle serious work.
See all our available Excavator Attachments.
SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS – MAXIMIZING YOUR LOADER'S POTENTIAL
Skid steer loaders are some of the most versatile machines on any worksite, but that versatility only comes into play when you've got the right attachments to swap on and off. Our New Zealand made skid steer attachments transform these compact machines into job-conquering workhorses that can handle everything from landscaping and demolition to material handling and civil construction.
We manufacture a full range of skid steer attachments engineered for New Zealand conditions. Heavy-duty buckets in various sizes and configurations – from light material buckets for mulch and compost to heavy-duty rock buckets that can handle the rough stuff. Pallet forks for moving materials around building sites, warehouses, or rural properties. Auger drives and earth augers for drilling holes for posts, trees, or foundation work. Trenchers for installing drainage, irrigation, or services. Rakes and landscape attachments for site preparation and finishing work.
What sets our skid steer attachments apart is the attention to engineering detail and build quality. These aren't cheaply made imports that wear out in six months. We use quality materials, proper fabrication techniques, and design attachments with features that make them easier and safer to use. Think reinforced stress points, proper quick-attach plate specifications, balanced weight distribution, and designs that consider the hydraulic capacity of different machine models.
One of the biggest challenges with skid steer work is the variety of machine brands and models out there – Bobcat, Caterpillar, Case, John Deere, Takeuchi, and dozens of others. We understand the different quick-attach systems and can manufacture attachments that fit your specific machine. We can also help you navigate the compatibility questions and ensure you're getting gear that will actually work with your loader without modification or drama.
Beyond standard attachments, we can custom fabricate specialized tools for unique applications. Maybe you need a specific material handling attachment for your operation, a custom designed implement for agricultural work, or something unusual that solves a problem you're facing on site. That's where working with a local New Zealand manufacturer really pays off – we can design, build, and deliver custom solutions without the lead times and communication headaches that come with offshore suppliers.
See the different types of Skid Steer Attachments
WHY NEW ZEALAND MADE MATTERS (AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE)
I know, I know – we bang on about the "Made in New Zealand" thing a lot. But here's why it actually matters to you, the person who needs to buy this gear and rely on it.
When equipment is manufactured in New Zealand, it's engineered to meet New Zealand standards and regulations. Our man cages comply with WorkSafe New Zealand requirements. Our lifting beams meet the relevant Australian and New Zealand standards for lifting equipment. Everything is designed with local compliance in mind, which means less drama when it comes to certifications, inspections, and keeping your operations legal and safe.
Local manufacturing also means local support. When you buy offshore gear, you're at the mercy of international shipping, language barriers, time zones, and companies that might or might not care about your problem. When you buy from us, you get a Kiwi company that answers the phone, speaks your language, understands your industry, and can actually help you when you need it. Need a custom modification? We can do it. Need replacement parts? We've got them. Need advice on the right attachment for your application? We're here to help.
There's also the quality factor. New Zealand engineers and fabricators are among the best in the world. We have high standards, proper training, and a work culture that values getting things right. When we build lifting equipment or heavy-duty attachments, we're building them to perform under real working conditions – not just to look good in a catalogue or pass some minimum import standard.
And honestly, there's something satisfying about supporting local industry and keeping Kiwi jobs in New Zealand. When you buy from us, you're supporting local engineers, fabricators, and businesses. The money stays in New Zealand, the skills stay in New Zealand, and we maintain the manufacturing capability that makes this country strong.
THE KNAPP ENGINEERING DIFFERENCE – WHAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY EXPECT
Let me tell you what working with us actually looks like, because I reckon you've probably been burned by other suppliers and you're wondering if we're actually different or just another outfit with good marketing.
First up: We answer our bloody phones. Sounds simple, right? But you'd be amazed how many companies in this industry screen calls, ignore messages, or take three days to get back to you. When you call us, you get a real person who can actually help you. Not a voicemail system. Not some automated runaround. A real human who knows what they're talking about.
Second: We show up when we say we will. If we schedule a site visit, a delivery, or a service call, we're there. We understand that your time is valuable, your jobs are on tight schedules, and the last thing you need is suppliers who treat appointments as loose suggestions.
Third: We tell you the truth, even when it's not what you want to hear. If we can't do something, we'll tell you straight up. If there's a better solution than what you originally asked for, we'll explain why. If your timeline is unrealistic, we'll work with you to find a solution instead of promising the impossible and then disappointing you.
Fourth: We stand behind our work. If there's a problem with our gear – and look, sometimes things happen despite everyone's best efforts – we sort it out properly. No excuses, no finger-pointing, no trying to weasel out of our responsibilities. We fix issues, period.
Fifth: We actually care about what we do. This isn't just a business to us. We take pride in building quality gear that helps Kiwi businesses operate safely and efficiently. When we see our equipment working on construction sites, farms, warehouses, and civil projects around the country, that means something to us. We're not just shifting products – we're building gear that matters.
AREAS WE SERVE ACROSS NEW ZEALAND
We work with businesses and contractors right across New Zealand. While our workshop is based in [location], we supply equipment and provide service throughout the country. Here are just some of the areas where you'll find our gear hard at work:
North Island: Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier-Hastings, Palmerston North, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Whangarei, Nelson-Tasman, Invercargill, Gisborne, Whanganui, Porirua, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Manukau, North Shore, Waitakere, Kapiti Coast, Taupo, Masterton, Levin, Tokoroa, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Whakatane, Pukekohe, Papakura, Huntly, Dargaville, Kaikohe, Kerikeri, Paihia, Thames, Whitianga, Waihi, Katikati, Te Puke, Opotiki, Kawerau, Murupara, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Otorohanga, Morrinsville, Matamata, Paeroa, Waihi Beach, Coromandel, Raglan, Kawhia, Waiouru, Taihape, Dannevirke, Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Martinborough, Carterton, Featherston, Greytown
South Island: Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Invercargill, Nelson, Timaru, Blenheim, Ashburton, Oamaru, Gore, Greymouth, Wanaka, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Rolleston, Lincoln, Hokitika, Westport, Motueka, Richmond, Picton, Cromwell, Alexandra, Balclutha, Milton, Winton, Riverton, Bluff, Te Anau, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Methven, Geraldine, Temuka, Waimate, Kurow, Twizel, Fairlie, Tekapo, Wanaka, Arrowtown
Whether you're working on a high-rise construction project in Auckland's CBD, a civil engineering job in Christchurch, an agricultural development in rural Canterbury, a mining operation on the West Coast, or a marine project in Wellington Harbour – we can supply the lifting equipment and heavy-duty attachments you need.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR LIFTING EQUIPMENT & ATTACHMENTS
What exactly do you manufacture at Knapp Engineering?
We specialize in custom fabricated lifting equipment and heavy-duty machine attachments, all manufactured right here in New Zealand. Our core products include spreader beams and lifting beams engineered for safe load distribution on construction and industrial sites, certified man cages for working at height, excavator attachments including buckets, rippers, grabs, and quick hitch systems, plus a full range of skid steer attachments for Bobcat and other compact loader brands. Every piece of gear we build is designed to meet or exceed New Zealand safety standards, comes with proper certification documentation, and is engineered for the demanding conditions that Kiwi contractors face on worksites across the country. We also offer custom fabrication services for specialized applications – if you need something unique engineered for your specific operation, we can design and build it.
Do your man cages and lifting equipment meet New Zealand safety standards and come with proper certification?
Absolutely. Every man cage, spreader beam, lifting beam, and piece of hoisting equipment we manufacture is engineered in accordance with relevant New Zealand and Australian standards. All lifting equipment is proof load tested, properly documented, and comes with certification that satisfies WorkSafe New Zealand requirements. Our man cages are designed with comprehensive safety features including proper edge protection, secure harness attachment points, anti-slip platform surfaces, and appropriate safe working load ratings clearly marked. We provide complete documentation packages with every piece of equipment, including load charts, inspection requirements, and safe operating guidelines. We also offer inspection and recertification services to keep your existing equipment compliant over its operational life. When you're working at height or lifting heavy loads, compliance isn't optional – it's essential – and we take that responsibility seriously.
Can you custom fabricate attachments or lifting equipment for unusual applications or specific requirements?
That's actually one of our specialties and what really sets us apart from companies that just sell standard catalog items. We're a proper engineering and fabrication workshop, which means we can design and build custom solutions for unique challenges. Maybe you need a specialized lifting beam with unusual dimensions or load requirements. Perhaps you need an excavator attachment designed for a specific material handling task. Or you might need a skid steer implement that doesn't exist in standard form. We'll work with you to understand the application, assess the requirements, engineer a proper solution, and fabricate gear that actually works. The advantage of working with a local New Zealand manufacturer is that we can have these conversations face-to-face (or at least on the same schedule without the international time zone nightmare), iterate on designs quickly, and deliver custom gear without the massive lead times you'd face with offshore suppliers.
How long does it take to get equipment manufactured and delivered?
Lead times depend on several factors – what you're ordering, whether it's a standard item or custom fabrication, our current workload, and how complex the engineering requirements are. For standard items like common skid steer attachments or excavator buckets, we typically can turn things around in a few weeks. Custom lifting equipment or specialized fabrications might take longer because of the engineering, approval, and testing requirements. The best thing to do is give us a call and discuss your specific needs and timeline. We'll give you an honest answer about what's realistic and work with you to meet your schedule where possible. If you've got a critical job coming up and you're worried about timing, let us know up front – sometimes we can prioritize urgent work or suggest alternatives that get you operational faster.
What kind of maintenance or inspection do lifting beams and man cages require?
All lifting equipment requires regular inspection to ensure it remains safe and compliant. The specific requirements depend on the type of equipment and how it's being used, but generally you're looking at pre-use visual inspections before every lift, detailed periodic inspections at regular intervals (typically six months to a year), and formal recertification testing at specified periods. Man cages have particularly strict inspection requirements because they're lifting people rather than just materials. We provide inspection guidelines with all our equipment, and we also offer inspection and recertification services if you'd rather have professionals handle it. Our advice? Don't skip inspections or try to stretch certification periods. The consequences of equipment failure are too serious, and WorkSafe New Zealand takes compliance very seriously. Proper maintenance and inspection isn't just about avoiding fines – it's about keeping your crew safe.
Can you work with our existing machinery and provide attachments that fit our specific equipment models?
Yes, absolutely. We understand that every operation has different equipment – different excavator brands and models, different skid steer loaders with various quick-attach systems, different crane configurations and lifting setups. Part of our engineering process is ensuring compatibility with your specific machinery. Whether you've got a Caterpillar excavator, a Bobcat skid steer, a Case loader, a Hitachi digger, or some other brand, we can manufacture attachments that fit properly and work safely with your machine. We'll need some details about your specific equipment (model numbers, serial numbers, hydraulic specifications, etc.) to ensure proper compatibility, but that's a standard part of our quoting and design process. And if you're not sure about the technical details, no worries – we can often figure it out from photos or by taking measurements if needed.
What's the process for getting a quote and ordering equipment from Knapp Engineering?
It's straightforward, mate. Give us a call at the number on this page, shoot us an email, or fill out the contact form. Tell us what you're looking for – the more detail the better, but even if you're not sure exactly what you need, we can have a conversation and figure it out together. For standard items, we can often provide pricing pretty quickly. For custom fabrications or specialized lifting equipment, we might need to ask some questions, possibly arrange a site visit to see the application, and do some engineering work before we can give you an accurate quote. Once you approve the quote and we get the paperwork sorted, we'll get your gear into production and keep you updated on progress. We'll arrange delivery or pickup depending on what works better for you. And if you've got questions during the process or after delivery, we're always here to help.
Do you only work with large construction companies or can smaller contractors and businesses buy from you too?
We work with everyone, from massive national construction firms and civil engineering companies doing multi-million dollar projects, right down to one-person contracting operations, farms needing equipment for their own use, and small manufacturing businesses. Doesn't matter if you're ordering a fleet of attachments or a single piece of specialized gear – we treat every customer with the same level of service and attention. Some of our best customers are smaller operators who appreciate working with a company that doesn't make them feel like they're too small to matter. If you need quality lifting equipment or heavy-duty attachments and you're prepared to invest in proper gear that's going to last, we want to work with you – simple as that.