Originally Posted By: kkreit01
I have a 32' fiberglass extension Type 1A. It is very sturdy when up to the top peak of my home. Getting it up there -- now that's another story. Woo-wee is that thing heavy and hard to maneuver! I'm tired by the time I have it in place. It weighs over 70# -- which gets quite heavy as you raise it. Being short and having short arms doesn't help.
I have a aluminum extension ladder and its kind of scary as it get a bit wobbly. I rarely use it unless I need to get to the roof, paint or clean the windows. It must be quite a workout just to lug that 70 pound ladder out, at least you know its stable.
Originally Posted By: Dan55
May I suggest a 6' wooden ladder type 1 (250lbs),after working with both I prefer the wood.
I actually did have a wooden step ladder. I got rid of since it was very old and didn't want to trust it. Its hard to find wooden ladders now, haven't seen them at any store.
Originally Posted By: Al
I think you will find that in fiberglass: green=225 lb., blue=250 lb., and red = 300 lb.
I have green bc I only weigh 140 and its more than sturdy
Very interesting, I didn't know the color code corresponds to the weight capacity. I know there are double sided step ladders which support the corresponding weight for each side.
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
In a 6 foot type II (200 lbs.) is sturdy enough (unless you're a moose like me), I actually have a 32 foot type I AA that is rated for 300 lbs.-and weighs about 125 pounds! The shorter the fiberglass ladder, the more inherently stable they seem to be (IMHO)-and when you get into the long extension ladders the weaker ones flex, bend, and curve in my experience.
The aluminum extension ladder I have gets a bit wobbly if I extend it more than half the max height. Wow 125 pounds, I didn't think it weighed that much. Can't imagine having to lug it around everyday for work.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I buy the heaviest rated ones because I rarely lug it myself and figure it gives some extra security.
I bought a Werner, but it was when they were transitioning from beign US made to Mexican. It took me a lot of looking to find the US made one. Anymore I wouldnt buy one from them, Id try to find something US made. The price didnt drop when they put Mexicans on the job...
The aluminum step ladder I currently have is a Werner and its made in USA. I notice the current Werner ladders are made in Mexico. I would prefer to buy a US made one but they are hard to find now. I heard the Little Giant are made in USA but I don't really like those.