Last year I took on wall ivy trimming job, 2 walls, max height about 7m. We used tripod ladders and a platfrom ladder to get to the eaves.
The platform was unwieldy at max height, and difficult to get close enough to the wall so that I didn't have to reach too far to get to the top. One of the criteria of taking the job on was that we could cut the ivy back in a tidy line below the gutters, which the previous gardeners hadn't done.
So it was an interesting job and went ok except at one end where there is a small hedge against the wall preventing the plaform getting close enough to reach the eaves safely.
The ground is solid with 25/30mm pea gravel on top.
Cue the ladders! This year I am going to use a set of ladders and standoff to get up to the eaves, I have no experience of buying ladders, brands and good design/ not so good design.
Could anyone point me in the right direction, I'm thinking 8/9m max height - they seem heavy, some 20kg, some more than 30kg, are all standoffs much the same?
Thanks.
Photo of property front.....
Views: 348
Replies
Off the top of my head I can't remember the make or height of my ladder but...... Definitely go for one with a commercial rating, a bit heavier but a lot sturdier. I have a 3 tier one, again a bit heavier but more compact when closed up - easier for moving around, getting onto roof rack etc. I think it cost just over £100 3/4 years so they are not too expensive. And yes I think stand offs are much of a muchness but very very useful.
Hope that is of some use.
Lovely job by the way.
You can attach a standoff bracket to most straight ladders. I have a triple 11ft-33ft straight ladder, never been up it at max height, but the base has a very wide brace so it's fairly decure.
I have Hailo combination ladders which have a curved adjustable foot. I don't think you'd need it on that job, but on uneven ground it's brilliant. Not cheap and quite heavy but that means strong and safe. If you're working as a team the weight doesn't matter so much anyway. A good standoff has a v in the middle to get you over pipes and even up on a corner and rubber pads for grip. My opinion on ladders is the more heavy duty the better. Not worth compromising on price when it's your neck on the line.
+1 for Hailo ladders, most versatile ladder on the market with it's curved adjustable foot.
Thanks for the replies, I've just ordered a set of 3 section ladders - £160.
I've gone with EN131 Trade spec, with a stabiiser bar at the bottom. Would have gone with 2 section until I realised they won't fit in the van!
Held off buying a stand off, not sure I will need one, so will hang on.