Ladders

[Tree monkey 1682]

3 hours ago, kram said:

What do you use or recommend?

 

Most arb ladders I've seen or used , have been past their best and I'd like to get my own for the odd hedge job I might get to do on my own - so Im after a decent one that can be used as an A frame.

 

Transport will be by car roof rack, so I will be limited in length.

 

Thes a brand on eBay and f. Me there stable and got some reach but I need to check the brand 

[woody paul]

I use a Altrex combi ladder and a Werner ajustable steps do all hedges from 3ft to 20ft high. 

Edited 5 hours ago by woody paul

[tree-fancier123]

okay then - buy a 16ft all legs adjustable, cut it up into pieces and only take enough pieces to attain the height you need on a given day - use your ingenuity to come up with  a quick release for the top sections, perhaps sleeves for the back leg

Each section would need another hinge fabricating for the back leg

Edited 4 hours ago by tree-fancier123

[kram]

Henchman tripods of any suitable size are not going to fit on a car roof rack. I dont like the idea of them although I have not used one.

 

I imagine the normal section combination-extension, folding or telescopic types will do what I'm after.

 

 

5 hours ago, Jack.P said:

This ladder has been very good and can recommend fits in boot or roof  ,  fine for most hedge jobs (but might struggle on very tall stuff ) https://www.diy.com/departments/mac-allister-3-way-4-25m-aluminium-combination-ladder/3663602895688_BQ.prd

 

 

I've used similar folding ones, good for small domestic hedges but so is standing in a full to the top green bin or stack of bulk bag. They are not very high and I want something taller.

 

Werner 12 Way Aluminium Combination Ladder | Toolstation

WWW.TOOLSTATION.COM

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Why buy multiple ladders when one will do the job? With the Werner 12 in 1 combination ladder, you'll be ready to work at height in almost any location.Use it...

If they did a larger version of the same thing.

 

3 hours ago, Steven P said:

 

How tall are the odd hedge jobs you might get generally? and how tall a ladder are you comfortable using? That's going to help with suggestions I reckon.

 

 

I'll be in a similar position later in the year - small fruit tree pruning so interested to see what is suggested.

 

I do both small domestic hedges, fruit trees, and larger giant hedges surrounding massive estates although the latter are with estabilished arb companies that usually have a beaten up, unsafe, wobbly ladder. They have usually had more log hits on the rungs than the pan of a motorway services WC, and just as unpleasant to use. The last one I used, the pin that locks it into the A frame mode, kept slipping out on one side, not fun.

 

If its a conifer hedge being re-topped I'll usually climb the hedge directly, as was the case with yesterdays laurel and australian cheesewood.

However most hedges are not strong enough to climb so for yesterdays job I had to go back with our 3 step  domestic decorating step ladder , just about did the job to reach to the back.

 

If the ladder is stable I am usually happy to stand near the top of an 11 rung A frame without it being footed, possibly higher, I cant remember how long the previous ladder was.

I dont like going above the A frame using the extensions, I dont have the balance to do that unfooted, like some people do.

 

Edited 3 hours ago by kram

[Mick Dempsey]

I use a 3 section extension ladder, most of the time I leave the top extension in the shed as just using the bottom 2  makes it easier to carry to the tree.

 

And yes, it’s taken more accidental whacks than Katie Prices taint.

Edited 3 hours ago by Mick Dempsey

[Dan Maynard]

I had a set of Youngman ladders for years that were only £100 or so, when it came to replace them last year I was shocked how much ladders have gone up.

 

Got a set of these to kick along hedges, not as heavy duty as the Werner so lighter to carry around, but definitely a step up in quality from B&Q. Good compromise, easy to transport, get used a lot. Then got a 9 foot combination for taller stuff, they're ok but probably get something else next.

 

https://www.bpsdepot.co.uk/ladders/telescopic-ladders/telescopic-multi-purpose-ladders