One of the major benefits of having a rope bridge on a tree-climbing harness is that it allows climbers to add hardware to the bridge without much trouble. The ease and convenience of installation have led to several possible configurations, including the addition of swivels and pulleys.
The DMM Kinisi is New Zealand's biggest-selling tree-climbing harness with a replaceable rope bridge (knotted or stitched), but many climbers are unaware that the bridge hardware options are limited to those specified in the DMM Kinisi User Manual. That means the only approved hardware for the installation on the Kinisi bridge is the DMM Ultra O, R500-40 Anchor Ring, Compact D and Bow shackles, the DMM Rigger pulley with a locking bolt installed, and the two styles of DMM Axis swivel (large and small), as listed in the user manual.
Using manufacturer-approved, standards-compliant hardware on a climbing harness bridge is not optional or theoretical—it underpins how arborists meet their legal obligations and manage real risk in the tree. Approved hardware is designed, tested, and documented for life-support use, giving employers a defensible position under New Zealand health and safety law. Using non-approved components exposes both climbers, businesses, and TCC organisers to unnecessary risk, from equipment failure and serious injury through to insurance disputes and regulatory consequences.
This is a devloping story and has caused a bit of a stir and perhaps some confusion. That was not our intention. As far as we are aware, DMM is preparing an announcement to further clarify the situation. More details from DMM should be available over the next 24 hours. Below is the DMM response 22 January 2026.
The DMM User Instructions for the Kinisi Harness provide examples of DMM products which are compatible with rope bridges and examples of DMM products which are compatible with webbing bridges. A trained and competent person can assess and select a compatible connector(s), which may or may not be listed in the DMM Kinisi instructions. It is the competent person’s responsibility to ensure suitable and sufficient performance in addition to correct and safe compatibility with neighbouring equipment. Ensuring any components used meet the requirements of the certification(s) and jurisdiction(s), within which you carry out work.
