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Permalink Reply by Richard Matthews on October 7, 2010 at 21:04

saw this at 3 counties show at Malvern. Really good demostration. try thishttp://www.ladderstore.com/heavy-duty-combination-ladder-with-adjustable-stabiliser-rungs-p-169.html i have the 6 rung option, adjustable feet to aid access on uneven ground

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gardens4u.co.uk on October 7, 2010 at 21:09

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-75M-MULTI-PURPOSE-SCAFFOLD-STEP-LADDER-PLAT...

cheaper £75 inclusive !!

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Rowly Hill on October 7, 2010 at 21:14

Bought something similar this year ( I'm struggling to find the online link).

Cheap as chips but very versatile and as the platform takes the arm strain out of cutting hedges 4-5' high ( depending on the size you buy). Fold up to nothing so easy to transport.

One word of warning though. The floor plates simply lie on the ladder and are not fixed...as I found to my cost as I mounted and the small section slipped away, me going head first towards terra firma. Several expletives were used , I stood up only to see three villagers walking on the footpath behind the hedge....apologies were accepted.."we've heard worse"!

Another tip - don't lie your hedgecutter on the plates and oil the blades....unlesss you want to look like Torvil & Dean ( only did it once...bad idea.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Rowly Hill on October 7, 2010 at 21:17

Found the link...

http://www.laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk/acatalog/multi_purpose_la...



ROWLY HILL said:

Bought something similar this year ( I'm struggling to find the online link).

Cheap as chips but very versatile and as the platform takes the arm strain out of cutting hedges 4-5' high ( depending on the size you buy). Fold up to nothing so easy to transport.

One word of warning though. The floor plates simply lie on the ladder and are not fixed...as I found to my cost as I mounted and the small section slipped away, me going head first towards terra firma. Several expletives were used , I stood up only to see three villagers walking on the footpath behind the hedge....apologies were accepted.."we've heard worse"!

Another tip - don't lie your hedgecutter on the plates and oil the blades....unlesss you want to look like Torvil & Dean ( only did it once...bad idea.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gardens4u.co.uk on October 7, 2010 at 21:25

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Telescopic-Ladder-3-2-metres-aluminium-/22061...

does anyone use these telescopic ones or waste of time ??

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Graeme @ BGS on October 7, 2010 at 21:59

Same thing happened to me a few years back - got to watch the platform! I only use them now and again but worth it for £75.


ROWLY HILL said:

Bought something similar this year
One word of warning though. The floor plates simply lie on the ladder and are not fixed...as I found to my cost as I mounted and the small section slipped away, me going head first towards terra firma.

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Permalink Reply by Greenlawns on October 7, 2010 at 22:15

I carry one of thes in my Van all the time, very handy, not sure where i got it, I've had it for ages. you wont be disappointed.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Rowly Hill on October 7, 2010 at 22:15

If I was going to use this for long periods I'd bolt down the tread plates somehow or tie them to the ladder. They are Ok for occaisional use but if you are using them all day and constantly moving them about you need to ensure the plates will not let you down....to the ground.

It doesn't look good, feel good and is dangerous. I was lucky and will secure them next time out.

You won't offend the locals either!



Graeme @ BGS said:

Same thing happened to me a few years back - got to watch the platform! I only use them now and again but worth it for £75.


ROWLY HILL said:

Bought something similar this year
One word of warning though. The floor plates simply lie on the ladder and are not fixed...as I found to my cost as I mounted and the small section slipped away, me going head first towards terra firma.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Anthony @ JDC Maintenance on October 7, 2010 at 22:52

I have one, rarely use it, but it is handy when you do need to as a platform.
The ladder platform thingy that comes with it is a great idea, means you can stand around up the ladder and not have your feet aching on the rungs, just don't forget and step off!!!
Mine came from the company shown on your ebay link, although i bought it direct about 12 months ago, good price

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Rowly Hill on October 8, 2010 at 7:32

I agree with the stability issue and this applies to any ladder.

I use laddermats if necessary.

http://www.laddermat.co.uk/



Pro Gard said:

The problem with these other than on hard surfaces is that they have potential to unn balance.,

Personally, Use a henchman as my primary means of access for hedge cutting coupled with an 8 step industrial stepladder. The henchman can level on all four feet and the platform is wide enough to be comfortable....... the benefits of a platform and step ladder combined but with stability.

I know that one of the letting agencies I work for outlaw the use of the hop up or trestle type platforms as they are unngaurded..... Probably not ok with the HSE in pro use although I frequently see them used. The henchman pro however ticks ball the boxes and is a time saver over erecting the first tier of a scaf tower just to work 4' from the floor !!

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Dan Frazer Gardening on October 8, 2010 at 7:45

Personally I don't like the construction of these ladders, having sat and watched them demo-ing them for two whole days while at Gardening Scotland on a friend's stall. I have a henchman, and one of BPS' triple straight ladders for high stuff.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Haywood on October 8, 2010 at 7:56

I have a similar platform ladder along with a set of hedgemasters. I find it valuable for long medium height hedges as the platform allows you to cut more without having to reposition everything. My platforms lock together and hook over the end rungs so they shouldn't slip.

What I would like to see is a similar folding platform setup with some adjustability on each leg (in the same style as a hedgemaster or henchman) and a handrail along one side of the platform.

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