Ladders

[benjamming]

I need input on ladders to reach my 18' tall gutters. I figure that a 20' tall step ladder or extension ladder would work. I am looking at Green Bull almost exclusively since they are made in the USA. Here's a sample of what I've considered so far.

Fiberglass Max
Model 9420 is $575, weighs 42#, 20'. I like the leg-leveler accessory. I don't know how much extra this would cost.

Aluminum Single Step
Model 206120 is $699, weighs 124#, 20'.

Aluminum Double Front
Model 204120 is $900, weighs 149#, 20'.

So, if I go the route of an extension ladder, what should I look for & stay away from & why? Aluminum vs. fiberglass is the most obvious.

If fiberglass, then Direct to Rail, Rung to Plate, or I-Beam? If I-Beam then D-Rung or Round-Rung? How about single section vs. two-section?

 

[Barkleymut]

a 20' ladder will not reach 18' comfortably. Try to find a 24' extension ladder which will be easier to manuever and still pretty lightweight. BTW-Those prices scare me......

 

[tom slick]

Fiberglass is heavier but stiffer and non-conductive
D-rung is more comfortable to stand on for extended periods.

a 20' aluminum step ladder will be wobbly and not safe for uneven surfaces, not to mention it weighs enough that one person shouldn't move it around by himself.

also look at werner and little giant. Little giant are actually very good ladders and made in the USA although their marketing is a bit gimmicky.

 

[03cvpi]

A 24ft is a better choice for stability and those prices are horrible. Do you have a grainger close at hand or maybe mail oder from 7corners

 

[benjamming]

I'll call the local dealer for Little Giant tomorrow to see if they have a model 26 in stock. It's listed as $440, 54#, & 23' max height. Again, it's rated for 300# just like the Green Bull ladders I am considering. I'll also price up a couple standard aluminum extension ladders from Green Bull.

Why then would one ever want round-rung?

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:
Why then would one ever want round-rung?


Arch therapy. It's been known to help with flat feet.

 

[moribundman]

Round rungs don't work so well with peglegs.

 

[Gary Allan]

Ahab should avoid them.

 

[Tempest]

I don't have a use for an extension ladder, but I'll never buy an Aluminum step ladder again. Fiberglass all the way here.

 

[1sttruck]

Ladders are rated for different weight, typically Type II (225 lbs ?), Type 1 (250 lbs), TYpe iA (300 lbs). An aluminum and fiberglass will pretty much be as stiff or wobbly if they're the same rating and length, but the aluminum will be slightly lighter. I have a retilculating Type 1A aluminum that chnages from a 12 ft extension to a 6 ft folding ladder, it's sturdy, handy, but is heavy and has round rungs (harder on the feet if not wearing boots). I also have a 24 ft aluminum Type II extension that is too wobbly for my taste when working fully extended, I weigh a bit over 200 lbs. A friend's 32 ft Type 1A fiberglass is nice and sturdy but it's at the handling limit for me, and I sometimes need help when setting it up.

I'm looking at a 28 ft Type 1 (50 lbs or so) or 1A aluminum (60 lbs or so). Go to the store and pick them up and move them, especially when extended. Make sure you can do so comfortably or you'll put it thru a window or drop it on your car or worse.

 

[1sttruck]

Oh, the local Home Depot has Werners ladders among others, which is a good brand. Some ladder mitts and you're good to go.

 

[benjamming]

Originally Posted By: Tempest
... but I'll never buy an Aluminum step ladder again. Fiberglass all the way here.


Why?

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: 1sttruck
Ladders are rated for different weight, typically Type II (225 lbs ?), Type 1 (250 lbs), TYpe iA (300 lbs).


What is the average BITOGer going to use then?

I jest...

 

[alreadygone]

Originally Posted By: benjamming
Originally Posted By: Tempest
... but I'll never buy an Aluminum step ladder again. Fiberglass all the way here.


Why?



Sooner or later the need to do something electrical, or work near wiring will arise. Aluminum=excellent conductor. Fiberglass= excellent insulator.

You allways lucky?

Bob

 

[1sttruck]

I've had the aluminum reticulating step and extension ladders for 10 to 15 years now, no problems, worked on lots of fixtures and such. It helps to turn off the power to the iem being worked on, and to have buried wiring. If you have an old house with above ground wiring or work on such things then it might be a consideration.

 

[benjamming]

Bob,

I understand about the fireworks show that I would just as soon not show to my neighbors, but just wondering if Tempest had another reason. Electrical lines on my property are underground but have ladder will travel!

1sttruck,

There is also a 1AA 375# rating as well.
You can never tell where a Werner ladder will be mfg from month-to-month so that eliminates online purchasing. I hate going to Home Despot so I won't. There are some paint stores, etc. around that carry Werner though so I may check them out.

 

[benjamming]

I've settled on a 24' fiberglass extension ladder from Green Bull. Type 1AA 375# ratings although I can't really tell the true differences between these three. Any input?

Rung to Plate is ~ $365 & weighs 59#. I can't tell if this is d-rung or round rung as all the others provide a choice. The picture appears to show a d-rung.

Rung to Plate D-rung is ~ $365 & weighs 55#.

I-Beam D-rung is ~ $365 & weighs 75#.

Accessories I'm not sure which of these would be handy. I do think that the leg leveler is a necessity just haven't decided which one yet.
Web pole grip is $22.
Leg leveler, manual is $97.
Leg leveler, automatic is $109.

For comparison, a 24' fiberglass 1A 300# is $253 & weighs 51#. A 24' aluminum 1A 300# is $265 & weighs 46#.

 

[1sttruck]

Go to a store and try handling similar weights. My friend's 36 ft fiberglass Type 1A is in the 70 lb range, and when extended is very hard to handle, wind and being tired at the end of the day makes it worse. I'd go for the aluminum Type 1A as it's the lightest of the bunch, but most would go for the fiberglass.

My 24 ft aluminum Type II is too wobbly fully extended, but even adding a 3 1/2 ft length of 2x4 on the end of the ladder with a couple of a angle brackets bolted to the ladder makes it noticeably more unwieldy to handle. The weight isn't the problem, it's the weight at length that's the problem.

 

[kkreit01]

^ Ditto. For one, I would never pay those ladder prices just to clean your gutters, and use them a few times each year. Go down to HD, Lowes, etc., and buy a 24" Extension Type I (or 1A) for $100-->$200.

I have an alluminum Type III 24' extension. I'm about 5 lbs shy of 200#. It's way too wobbly, but very easy to hanlde. I can reach about 20' off the ground before getting too scared.

I also have a Type 1A fiberglass 32' extension. It has a nice platform on top. It's very stury. However, it's very heavy, almost impossible for me to raise. I'm short, and have short arms. The ladder weighs over 70#. It has a rubber bumper on the edge of the working platform, so it's very hard to pull it up while resting against the side of the house. I did it, but it wasn't easy/fun. After moving the ladder around (up and down) 1 day, my shoulder was sore for months (seriously).

 

[tom slick]

I'd just rent. local rental is $1 per foot per day. That way you don't have to store it either.