How Much Does a Post Driver Cost in New Zealand?

If you're planning a fencing project, planning on upgrading your current post driver or thinking about starting a fencing contracting business, you've likely wondered how much a post driver costs (also known as a post rammer or post banger). Whether you're a farmer facing kilometres of boundary fencing or a lifestyle block owner tackling weekend projects, understanding post driver pricing helps you make the right investment for your needs.

The answer isn't straightforward because hydraulic post drivers vary dramatically in price, from basic farmer and lifestyler models to the top-spec fencing contractor models with the latest hydraulic systems. Let's break down what you can expect to pay and what factors influence post driver costs.

The main types of post drivers & price ranges

Manual/petrol-powered post drivers: $100–$3,500

Manual post drivers are the entry point for small waratah-type fencing. These lightweight tools rely on your muscle power and are suited for lifestyle blocks or occasional repairs. They're labour-intensive and only enable you to establish a basic waratah-type fence.

Entry-level tractor-mounted (3-point linkage): $11,000 - $15,000+

Purpose-built tractor post rammers attach to your tractor's three-point linkage and offer substantial impact force, making them ideal for driving posts into soft ground conditions. They're built for regular use and typically include features like hydraulic tilt and side adjustment. Looking at our current pricing, our Series 1 models (perfect for farmers and lifestyle owners) typically range from $11,000 to $20,000.

FencePro also offers another strong post rammer option in the New Zealand market. Their entry-level Farmtek model also starts around the $11,000 mark, making it an affordable and reliable NZ-made option.

Mid-range post drivers: $15,000–$25,000+

Purpose-built tractor post rammers attach to your tractor's three-point linkage and offer substantial impact force, making them ideal for driving posts into soft ground conditions. They're built for regular use and typically include features like hydraulic tilt and side adjustment. Looking at our current pricing, our Series 1 models (perfect for farmers and lifestyle owners) typically range from $11,000 to $20,000.

Contractor-grade post drivers: $20,00–$50,000+

At the top end sit professional-grade setups like our Kinghitter Expander 2i. These machines are engineered for daily contractor use, featuring advanced hydraulics, accessories for fencing in any conditions and postdriver bases that give you up to 5.7 m2 of strike area. Our premium Expander 2i features a telescopic mast for ultimate versatility and ranges from $25,000 to $50,000+. FencePro has its Ultra range of post-drivers and rotating bases, with some elite setups like the Ultra T2 telescopic model costing $65,000+.

Read the farmer’s guide to choosing a post rammer here >>

Factors that affect post driver NZ pricing

Impact force and power

The hammer weight and hitting power correlate with price. Our entry-level Series 1 uses a 230kg hammer, while our heavy-duty models feature hammers up to 340kg. More power means driving posts faster and handling tougher conditions, but it also increases the engineering and hydraulic complexity and cost.

Weight and build quality

Quality post drivers use high-grade steel construction designed for decades of use. We manufacture our machines from specially rolled 350-grade Australian steel (excluding Series 1 models), and there is the option to reinforce the mast further with Bisalloy plating. Many imported and competing machines use lighter materials and weaker mast steel / I-beam that may not withstand New Zealand's demanding conditions. Remember, the pain and frustration of poor quality gear will remain with you long after the sweetness of the low price is forgotten.

Mounting type and compatibility

Simple rear-mount systems cost less than sophisticated bases with side shift, rotation, and hydraulic legs. Our Terminator base provides 950mm of side shift and adds around $7,500 to a postdriver package (excluding valves), while our Dominator rotational base is priced around the $15,000 mark but offers 130-degree rotation and 650mm of shift.

Tilt and multi-directional movement

Hydraulic tilts, mast shift, and base movement significantly increase post rammer functionality and price. These features reduce tractor repositioning and make fencing faster and more efficient. A 300mm Mastshift upgrade costs around $3,000 (excluding valves), while full rotational bases can add $20,000+ to the base price.

Warranty and after-sales support

Quality New Zealand-made equipment typically commands higher prices but offers superior local support. Our nationwide dealer network means parts and service are readily available — a major advantage when breakdowns happen in the middle of a busy fencing season.

Dealing directly with an importer or small manufacturer might seem appealing at first, especially on price. But once they’ve got your money, will they still be around when you need parts, service, or urgent support? It’s worth asking yourself: Are they truly committed to keeping you going, or just focused on making the sale?

Picture this: you're a few hours’ drive (or a flight) away from the manufacturer of your machine. Something breaks. They’re a small team, tied up on another job, and they don’t have a dedicated after-sales team to support you. You’re stuck, wasting time and losing money — and suddenly that ‘great deal’ doesn’t feel so great.

NZ-made vs imported

Locally manufactured post drivers like ours cost more upfront but are built specifically for New Zealand conditions. We use materials and engineering standards suited to our varied terrain, climate, and farming practices. Imported units may seem cheaper initially, but often lack the durability and support needed for long-term use.

New vs used: what's worth it?

The used market can offer substantial savings, with second-hand post drivers typically priced 30-50% below new. However, buying used requires careful consideration of several factors.

Benefits of buying used include:  Lower upfront cost and potentially the ability to afford higher-spec machines within your budget. Many farmers and contractors upgrade their equipment regularly, meaning that if you keep a close eye on the market, quality used machines may come up for sale.

Risks to consider:  unknown maintenance history, potential for expensive repairs, limited or no warranty coverage, and possible obsolete or expensive parts. Hydraulic systems like the postdriver valves, in particular, can be very costly to repair if neglected.

When evaluating used equipment, inspect hydraulic rams for leaks, check mast condition for straightness or excessive wear, test all movements and functions, and verify if parts are still available for that model. If possible, see the machine working before purchase.

For many farmers, the sweet spot is purchasing a 2-3-year-old post rammer from a reputable dealer who can provide some warranty coverage and ensure the machine has been properly maintained.

Making your decision

Post driver pricing reflects the wide range of applications and user needs across New Zealand's diverse farming landscape. While basic models suit occasional use, bigger fencing projects and full-time fencing contractors benefit from a higher-spec machine, despite their higher cost.

Consider your annual fencing requirements, typical soil conditions, and available tractor power when budgeting. Remember that a quality post driver is a long-term investment that can last decades with proper maintenance.