I would really appreciate views on the best step ladders for tall hedges. I currently have two Henchman Ladders 10' and 14'. The 10' is great. The 14' I am not so sure about. When I first used it, I thought it was brilliant. However, my view has now changed and I am seriously thinking about replacing it. A few months ago, I was reaching across (not forward) and the front of the tri-pod gave way and I fell. Fortunately, a 6' fence reduced my fall as I landed on the fence. Since then, I have been wary and notice that any slight movement to the side appears to make the ladder unstable. The 10' ladder is far better. I am assuming because the centre of gravity is lower. I have seen tall step ladders on-line, which may not be as good as the Henchman in terms of getting into the hedge, but, I feel are far more stable. If I have a long hedge, I tend to use scaffolding as I feel this is the safest bet. However, this is not always possibles as some gardens don't have the room for scaffolding. Hence, I need a stable ladder. Any sggestions?
Thanks
Views: 1028
Replies
I've got halio ladder the one with the adjustable. Had 14yrs it's never let me down.
I have Niwaki 12' ladder. Mine doesn't have adjustable legs/feet (but area around here is flat as a pancake), but it does have adjustable (i.e. telescopic) rear 3rd leg and a retaining chain. It is much wider at the base than the top. Very stable indeed, and super light.
I also have Henchman Hi-Step which has 4 adjustable legs, a decent sized (flat) working platform. Quite a lot of "stuff" to erect compared to a tri-leg ladder (but it can be laid down onto jockey-wheels to move it around). With the extender I think the platform is 10'
I use a Henchman wheeled platform for hedge cutting. It provides about 13' of cut-length, each time the platform is moved, more if using an extended/telescopic hedge cutter. They come up reasonably often in eBay, at an affordable price. This is my own garden, I'm not sure how much hassle it would be to take a platform to Client, including erect and knock-down time, but if they had a lot of hedges that would help. Very stable (it has outriggers) and the Extender takes the platform height from 6' to 10', my tallest hedge is 14' and comfortable "chest height" to use a hedge cutter.
What's the advantage of a Henchman ladder over an ordinary ladder which I've been using for years with no problems?. On taller hedges, I just attach a 5' plank across the top of the ladder to spread the load on the hedge so the ladder stays put and doesn't fall into the hedge.
Less dangerous I'd imagine.
I would imagine "ladder leaning against hedge" needs some strength in the hedge - so, for example, a young hedge would not be possible (where a freestanding tripod-ladder or platform just needs to be stood alongside the hedge).
I don't suppose it takes much effort to move your ladder along to the next bit, but one thing I would be looking for is the "reach" - i.e. to reduce the number of times the platform/ladder has to be moved, and how many times I do "put-down / pick-up" and clamber up and down the ladder / platform.
Only other point that occurs to me is a free-standing topiary - that might not allow resting a ladder against, whereas a tripod-ladder stood next to it would give good access. But so would a telescopic hedge trimmer stood on the ground!
I have never used one, but the "Elephant" type harness / supports are mentioned here time to time. That takes the weight off the blade so that the operator can use a long-reach hedge trimmer all day long - just walk along the face of the hedge (with a fully extended long-reach cutter) doing up/down strokes to cut the face, and then turn the blade to 90-degress to cut the top.
e.g. the Henchman Easy-Lift Harness
Our preferred weapons : Hailo Profilot adjustable ladders with side feet extension for stability and a 4m + Ali tower system for use on hard surfaces like paths/car parks. Safe, secure and stable and are commercially safety rated.
Can all be carried easily inside most vans...
That be one, thanks Gary.
I have the next size up. When I use it on soft ground I put a scaff board under the back feet.
I've got the 9 tread one of those. Amazing ladder, very stable.
Thank you for all of the replies. Looks like i'm going to get a Hailo. Kieran - in your opinion, is the 9 tread one tall enough? I have looked at the 12 tread one and although it is tall, wonder whether is might be too tall. At what heightcan you work safely on the 9 tread?
P.s. check the collapsed length of the model chosen if you want it to go inside your van 👍
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 5 Next