[GMM[_3_]]

I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html
would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

Cheers

[newshound]

On 27/07/2014 22:08, GMM wrote:
I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html

would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

Cheers

Seems a reasonable assumption to me. Depending on what you are planning
to do, and whether you have storage space you might consider getting a
tower. I didn't pay much for a (very) second hand "trade" aluminium
tower: much easier to put up than a "hobby" steel tower.

Also, I personally find the idea of putting up a triple too scary.

[nightjar]

On 27/07/2014 22:08, GMM wrote:
I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html

would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

Note that those are maximum vertical static loads and include everything
you might be carrying or have hung from the ladder. The previous British
Standard gave rather more useful 'duty ratings', which could be
considered as the maximum dynamic load you should apply. For Class III
(domestic) ladders, 125kg static load, the duty rating was 95kgs. For
Class II (professional), 150kg static load the duty rating was 115kgs.
For Class I (industrial), 175kg static load, the duty rating was 130kgs.

As you have guessed, the higher the rating, the more rigid the ladder. I
won't use a Class III ladder except as a single ladder because of the
bounce. If you can afford it, go for a Class I ladder such as one of these:

http://www.laddersalesdirect.co.uk/e...n-ladders.html

You will really notice the difference on a triple extension ladder.


--
Colin Bignell

[Harry Bloomfield[_3_]]

"insert my surname here used his keyboard to write :
You will really notice the difference on a triple extension ladder.

For home maintenance, I have a half of an alloy double which itself is
12' long, which is so light in weight, I can maneuver it quite easily
with one arm. I also have a 14' alloy double which is so heavy, I
cannot possibly move it as a double, even on the ground, it so heavy
that even manouvering half of it is a struggle two handed - I have no
idea what lass that one might be.

Just make sure whatever you buy, you may need to have to be able to
lift it.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

[Clive George]

On 27/07/2014 22:08, GMM wrote:
I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html

would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

No, you're right - spend the cash, it's worth it. The more solid the
ladder, the better it feels to climb.

[Clive George]

On 27/07/2014 22:29, newshound wrote:

Also, I personally find the idea of putting up a triple too scary.

Not scary, just a bit of a faff.

The scary bit is climbing up the thing.

[John Rumm]

On 27/07/2014 22:08, GMM wrote:
I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html

would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

Yes its a valid assumption... the trade rated ones are stiffer and
"nicer" to work on at height - especially if you are a bit heavier. The
two trade offs are cost and weight IME.


--
Cheers,

John.

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| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

[Bill Wright[_2_]]

GMM wrote:
I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html

would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

Cheers

A very common ladder as used by the aerial erection industry is a 4m
triple. The top two sections are in constant use and the bottom section
is only added when the height demands it. With the addition of a hook
the bottom section can serve as an additional crawler, when you need two.

Since you aren't going to carry the ladder around all that much you will
be much better with a heavier one. Slender triples are quite scary; they
bend so much you can feel you're climbing a vertical ladder when you're
near the top! Heavy ladders are nice to use once you've got them up.

The way to erect a triple is to extend the top section as far as it will
go, and only when you've done that extend the middle section if you have
to. That method is the easiest and also keeps the weight low down. Don't
think you have to extend the top and middle sections equally; there's no
point.

Bill (climbing ladders every day since God were a lad)

[PeterC]

On Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:08:41 +0100, GMM wrote:

I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html
would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

Cheers

When I wanted a 3-step-ladder for indoor use I bought an expensive Abru. It
cost abought 3x a cheap version in Wickes. It weighs more than the
'domestic' 5-tread one but it's like standing on a rock. Also the platform
is big enough for my feet.
I've used a double, 90kg-rated one and it wasn't nice. At the time, with
tools etc., I would have been ~85kg.
Just one thing: having used a trade-rated triple (about 7m IIRC), it's
furking heavy and difficult to control when extended on a windy day.
Oh, a triple is very useful at times as a double+single, using the top
section as a single.
--
Peter.
The gods will stay away
whilst religions hold sway

[Stuart Noble]

On 28/07/2014 07:26, PeterC wrote:
On Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:08:41 +0100, GMM wrote:

I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html
would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

Cheers

When I wanted a 3-step-ladder for indoor use I bought an expensive Abru. It
cost abought 3x a cheap version in Wickes. It weighs more than the
'domestic' 5-tread one but it's like standing on a rock. Also the platform
is big enough for my feet.
I've used a double, 90kg-rated one and it wasn't nice. At the time, with
tools etc., I would have been ~85kg.
Just one thing: having used a trade-rated triple (about 7m IIRC), it's
furking heavy and difficult to control when extended on a windy day.
Oh, a triple is very useful at times as a double+single, using the top
section as a single.


I bought a lightweight triple 10 ft 20+ years ago. Easy to put up and
comfortable to work on. Everyone in the road has used it at some time or
another. The ladder accidents I've heard about would not have been
prevented by a more expensive ladder

[Andy Burns[_9_]]

GMM wrote:

that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!)

I do, so bought a 3.4m 'trade' ladder from ladders999, very pleased with
it - I chopped up the old wooden ladder I had (came free with the house)
about 8 years ago and had been borrowing a bouncy aluminium one from the
neighbour on occasion.

The ladders999 is slightly cheaper except the midlandladders has the
feet included, so overall your price seems better.

[Brian Gaff[_2_]]

Well no ladder expert, but its not near the top where I i used to feel odd
but about half way up. I think if there is a slight breeze it kind of
resonates and bounces one up and down. I keep having visions of the American
bridge.
Scary.
Brian

--
From the Sofa of Brian Gaff Reply address is active
"GMM" GlMiMa-AT-yahoo.co.uk wrote in message
...
I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html
would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes me
that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which would
be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I be
wasting the cash etc?

Cheers

[John Rumm]

On 28/07/2014 10:21, Brian Gaff wrote:
Well no ladder expert, but its not near the top where I i used to feel odd
but about half way up. I think if there is a slight breeze it kind of
resonates and bounces one up and down. I keep having visions of the American
bridge.

Bounce up and down does not seem too scary IME, but wobble side to side
at mid span much more so. I acquired a DIY rated "I" section stile 8'
triple once, and about half way up the first time I tried it, decided
that was not a good idea as the lateral movement suggested it could be
very close to folding up sideways!

(anyone interested in a 8' triple Class III ladder? Other FBs need not
apply!)


--
Cheers,

John.

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|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

[Andrew Gabriel]

In article ,
"Brian Gaff" writes:
Well no ladder expert, but its not near the top where I i used to feel odd
but about half way up. I think if there is a slight breeze it kind of
resonates and bounces one up and down. I keep having visions of the American
bridge.

For me, I always feel a bit uneasy the first time climbing it, and then
again the first time I step off a roof back on to the ladder to come
down.

Don't forget to tie it near the top to prevent sliding sideways (but
don't have the tie rope try pulling it up, or you may uncouple an
extending ladder).

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]

[Mike Barnes[_2_]]

GMM wrote:
I need a longer ladder. I estimate I need at least 7m in total for the
current task, so a 3.3m triple (8.5m extended) such as
http://www.midlandladders.com/produc...r-546-151.html
would seem like a good idea.
Reading more closely, though, that one has a max load of 125kg, whereas
the nearest 'trade version ( a bit longer at 3.5m x 3 and 10% more) is
rated for 150kg.
Fortunately, I don't come close to either weight (yet!), but it strikes
me that th one with the higher rating is likely to be more rigid, which
would be nice at those heights. Is that a valid assumption or would I
be wasting the cash etc?

I'm no expert but wouldn't a double ladder reach, and presumably be more
solid that a triple? I have a 2x15-rung class 3 ladder that should reach
and I've never had any misgivings about it.

--
Mike Barnes
Cheshire, England

[nightjar]

On 27/07/2014 23:17, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
"insert my surname here used his keyboard to write :
You will really notice the difference on a triple extension ladder.

For home maintenance, I have a half of an alloy double which itself is
12' long, which is so light in weight, I can maneuver it quite easily
with one arm. I also have a 14' alloy double which is so heavy, I cannot
possibly move it as a double, even on the ground, it so heavy that even
manouvering half of it is a struggle two handed - I have no idea what
lass that one might be.

Just make sure whatever you buy, you may need to have to be able to lift
it.

I can't say I have any problem with my industrial grade ladder, which
has three aluminium sections - two can be used as a step ladder, while
the third acts as a double extension on one side. I bought that for
reaching high lighting in a factory.

The heaviest ladder I have ever had was a 3.5m double extension GRP
ladder, which was for working outside where there were overhead mains
distribution wires. That did take two people to move anywhere.

--
Colin Bignell

[GMM[_3_]]

Thanks chaps. A good few valid and interesting points made there.
I wish I could use a tower but the job that 'justifies' (/requires)
getting this wouldn't be practical with a tower, as there's a
conservatory roof below at ground floor level.

I was assuming a triple would be a better bet for storage and had
(possibly wrongly) thought a joint could have less flex than a long
stretch of ladder.

Undoubtedly, class 3 ladders are a bad idea beyond a certain length.
Which of the alternatives is better, I'm still mulling. I suspect that
class 1 are just too 'king heavy, after trying to move one the other day
in the shop. Admittedly, it was jammed in a rack, but even so seemed
quite a beast.

Of course, instead of getting a new ladder, I could spend the cash
paying someone to sort this bit of gutter out (and save the mortal
terror of working up there), but then I wouldn't have a ladder for next time

[John Rumm]

On 30/07/2014 22:43, GMM wrote:
Thanks chaps. A good few valid and interesting points made there.
I wish I could use a tower but the job that 'justifies' (/requires)
getting this wouldn't be practical with a tower, as there's a
conservatory roof below at ground floor level.

I was assuming a triple would be a better bet for storage and had
(possibly wrongly) thought a joint could have less flex than a long
stretch of ladder.

Undoubtedly, class 3 ladders are a bad idea beyond a certain length.
Which of the alternatives is better, I'm still mulling. I suspect that
class 1 are just too 'king heavy, after trying to move one the other day
in the shop. Admittedly, it was jammed in a rack, but even so seemed
quite a beast.

I have a 10m triple[1] that was to the old BS EN131 standard (i.e. 150kg
max load - so similar to Class II), and although heavy it is manageable
- especially in cases where you don't need the third bit. It feels very
safe when you are on it as well (even with my 6'3" / 19st of FB on it!).
Weight all up is not much more than a bag of cement - not sure I would
fancy the extra 12kg of the Class I version.

Of course, instead of getting a new ladder, I could spend the cash
paying someone to sort this bit of gutter out (and save the mortal
terror of working up there), but then I wouldn't have a ladder for next
time


[1] This one if memory serves:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lyte-trade...t-10-22m/19279

--
Cheers,

John.

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|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

[Stuart Noble]

On 30/07/2014 22:43, GMM wrote:
Thanks chaps. A good few valid and interesting points made there.
I wish I could use a tower but the job that 'justifies' (/requires)
getting this wouldn't be practical with a tower, as there's a
conservatory roof below at ground floor level.

I was assuming a triple would be a better bet for storage and had
(possibly wrongly) thought a joint could have less flex than a long
stretch of ladder.

Undoubtedly, class 3 ladders are a bad idea beyond a certain length.
Which of the alternatives is better, I'm still mulling. I suspect that
class 1 are just too 'king heavy, after trying to move one the other day
in the shop. Admittedly, it was jammed in a rack, but even so seemed
quite a beast.

Of course, instead of getting a new ladder, I could spend the cash
paying someone to sort this bit of gutter out (and save the mortal
terror of working up there), but then I wouldn't have a ladder for next
time

It's one thing getting up the ladder. Using both hands to do something
useful when you're up there is another matter :-)

[tony sayer]

ast.


Of course, instead of getting a new ladder, I could spend the cash
paying someone to sort this bit of gutter out (and save the mortal
terror of working up there), but then I wouldn't have a ladder for next time

If your that dubious about doing this job then look at it as "I will be
around for the next time";!...
--
Tony Sayer

[Mathew Newton[_2_]]

On Thursday, 31 July 2014 07:09:13 UTC+1, stuart noble wrote:

It's one thing getting up the ladder. Using both hands to do something
useful when you're up there is another matter :-)

That's when a ladder stand off pays dividends, particular the solid tray style like the LadderMax.

Despite being somewhat petrified of heights I find one of these enables me to work quite 'happily' with both hands because I can stay right up against the ladder with my work area in front of me and a very secure feeling due to still hugging the ladder. The solid tray not only gives a handy storage/work platform but also stops me looking down!

Mathew

[GMM[_3_]]

On 31/07/2014 11:02, tony sayer wrote:
ast.


Of course, instead of getting a new ladder, I could spend the cash
paying someone to sort this bit of gutter out (and save the mortal
terror of working up there), but then I wouldn't have a ladder for next time

If your that dubious about doing this job then look at it as "I will be
around for the next time";!...

I've always felt the best way to ensure there's a good chance of a next
time when up a ladder is to have a strong appreciation of, and respect
for, gravity!

[polygonum]

On 02/08/2014 18:57, GMM wrote:
On 31/07/2014 11:02, tony sayer wrote:
ast.


Of course, instead of getting a new ladder, I could spend the cash
paying someone to sort this bit of gutter out (and save the mortal
terror of working up there), but then I wouldn't have a ladder for
next time

If your that dubious about doing this job then look at it as "I will be
around for the next time";!...

I've always felt the best way to ensure there's a good chance of a next
time when up a ladder is to have a strong appreciation of, and respect
for, gravity!

I am very much attracted to that. (Rather too much, to be honest.)

--
Rod

[nightjar]

On 31/07/2014 07:09, stuart noble wrote:
...
It's one thing getting up the ladder. Using both hands to do something
useful when you're up there is another matter :-)

It is difficult to achieve the recommended three points of contact and
simultaneously use both hands for a job.

--
Colin Bignell

[JTM]

In article ,
Nightjar \cpb\@ insert my surname here wrote:
On 31/07/2014 07:09, stuart noble wrote: ..
It's one thing getting up the ladder. Using both hands
to do something useful when you're up there is another
matter :-)

It is difficult to achieve the recommended three points
of contact and simultaneously use both hands for a job.

or carrying a can of paint /hod full of bricks etc up the
ladder

--
John Mulrooney
NOTE Email address IS correct but might not be checked for a while.

If you think you can - you can.

[Stuart Noble]

On 04/08/2014 10:10, JTM wrote:
In article ,
Nightjar \cpb\@ insert my surname here wrote:
On 31/07/2014 07:09, stuart noble wrote: ..
It's one thing getting up the ladder. Using both hands
to do something useful when you're up there is another
matter :-)

It is difficult to achieve the recommended three points
of contact and simultaneously use both hands for a job.

or carrying a can of paint /hod full of bricks etc up the
ladder


Hanging the tin on a ladder hook makes painting a one handed job. Making
good not so easy