APS Equipment has built a reputation in New Zealand for bringing practical, customer-driven lifting solutions to market. The company, best known for distributing Magni telehandlers and Valla electric cranes, has now added a new product to its portfolio – the APS Tower Tow. Also known internationally as the Giraffe 350.15, this towable self-erecting crane is designed to meet the growing demand for compact, fast, and easy-to-use lifting equipment.
For Darren Boon, Director of APS Equipment, the move came directly from listening to customers. “We had a lot of enquiry for something that’s fast and simple to put up,” Darren said. “Traditional self-erectors can take half a day to set up, and they need to be trucked in on large vehicles. People wanted a solution that was more convenient.”
Self-erecting tower cranes have long been popular for residential and mid-rise construction projects, but they often come with drawbacks. Their set-up times, transport requirements, and the need for specialist riggers can add cost and delays. APS saw an opportunity for something smaller, lighter, and easier to move – without compromising on capability.
The APS Tower Tow fits that gap. Towable behind any vehicle with a 3.5-tonne capacity, the crane can be delivered to site and erected in just 15 minutes by a single operator. That level of convenience, Darren said, is what sets it apart. “It’s designed so one person can drive it to site, set it up, and pack it down. You don’t need a whole team.”
Compact but capable
Despite its modest size, the APS Tower Tow offers serious lifting ability. With a maximum capacity of 1500 kilograms and a 20.3-metre maximum hook height, it has the reach to handle beams, glass panels, or purlins on two- to three-storey builds. Its compact footprint means it can work in tight spaces – such as narrow driveways or corners inaccessible to larger cranes.
In practice, Darren said customers are already finding innovative ways to use it alongside larger equipment. “One project is using it to lift purlins onto the third floor. Another site is feeding it from a tower crane so it can cover a corner the main crane can’t reach. It’s not just limited to sitting in a driveway; it can relieve tower cranes and open up more possibilities.”
Operator experience
Ease of use has been a major selling point. The crane is fully remote-controlled, with a joystick unit that displays load charts in real time. “Operators love that it tells you exactly what you can lift at each radius,” Darren said. “It takes out the guesswork.”
Feedback from operators and trainers has been positive. The electric power makes the crane quiet, while its five winch speeds and automatic slowdown under load ensure smooth and safe operation. Built-in safety systems prevent overloading, with alarms and automatic cut-outs if limits are exceeded. “It even has an automatic feature to catch the swing when you stop,” Darren said. “It’s simple, smooth, and safe.”
Training and certification
In New Zealand, operators require two unit standards – dogging and a self-erector qualification. Darren said training is straightforward. “It’s something you could pick up in 15 minutes, but we recommend 15 to 20 hours of practice to get really comfortable. Most people are up and running quickly.”
APS is also providing after-sales support, from parts supply to servicing, while keeping independent certification in place for transparency.
Looking ahead to Australia
While the APS Tower Tow is already certified and available in New Zealand, APS is now preparing for entry into the Australian market. Certification is still in progress, but Darren is confident the product will resonate across the Tasman.
“The same issues exist in Australia – projects with tight access, the need to set up quickly, and the demand for equipment that doesn’t require a big crew or heavy transport,” he said. “We think it’s going to be just as relevant there as it is here.”
Ultimately, APS Equipment sees the Tower Tow as a response to what customers have been asking for: faster setups, more flexibility, and reduced costs. Its ability to be operated by one person and transported with a light vehicle makes it accessible to builders and contractors who might otherwise need to hire in bigger equipment.
For Darren, the product represents APS’ broader philosophy. “We’ve always specialised in lift-and-shift solutions. This crane fills the space between telehandlers and larger tower cranes. It’s convenient, efficient, and reliable – exactly what people told us they needed.”