While there are specialist types of ladders available that may be used in particular situations depending on the height that has to be reached, the most versatile ladder available by far is the multi purpose ladder. These ladders are available for both trade and domestic use with the difference generally lying in the strength of the ladder and, consequently, the price.
A multi purpose ladder is a ladder that can be altered to work in any one of a number of different configurations. The ladder may be set up as a stepladder, an A-frame ladder, as an extension ladder, as a ladder with a platform, as a workbench or as a low-reach ladder. No matter what your requirements around the home may be you would be able to change the configuration of the multi purpose ladder accordingly.
The way the multi purpose ladder works is that it is divided into segments, usually 4 segments, that are connected to each other by lockable hinges. These hinges allow the ladder section to swing open with lockable spots along the way, usually at the 30 degree, 60 degree, 90 degree, 120 degree and 150 degree marks. This means that each part of the ladder can be opened to a specific angle and, when combined with the other segments can be set up to the height and shape that you require.
Ladders are rated depending on the amount of weight they are designed to carry. This is known as the Duty Rating and it describes the maximum load at which the ladder is considered to be safe. Because a ladder is rated at the lowest rating doesn’t mean it is of a lesser quality, it simply means that the maximum weight it is designed to carry is lower than a ladder that is given a professional rating.
Some of the better multi purpose ladders come with rubber-stopped feet at either end to reduce the possibility that they will slip or move while in use. The lockable hinges are spring loaded so when the ladder section is swung open or closed the lock will be engaged automatically and there will be no risk that it will be undone.
3 Multi Purpose Ladder Companies
The following are just a few of the brand names that you may want to look out for when you go out shopping for a new multi purpose ladder. These are not recommendations to buy, merely a brief introduction so the names are familiar to you in the future. This brief outline covers a couple of US companies and a UK-based global company.
Werner Ladders : Werner would have to be one of the most trusted names in the ladder business in the United States with a huge range of ladders meeting all sorts of needs and covering all price bases. Some of these ladders include multi purpose ladders and multiladders.
One of the more versatile ladders that you will ever come across is the Werner Telescoping Multiladder, a hugely useful ladder that can be used in a multitude of ways. This is a ladder that is available in a range of heights from 13’ to 26’ and the number of positions that the ladder can be adjusted to reaches a possible 37 different heights or positions. With a Duty Rating of 300lbs this is a ladder that the professional will find will meet just about any requirement.
The prices that you can expect to pay for the Werner Telescoping Multiladder starts at around $255 for the 13′ ladder up to $620 for the 26′. The other lengths available are 17′ and 22′ and the prices may vary depending on where you go to buy them.
As long as you are after an aluminium or fibreglass ladder there are many more types of multi purpose ladders as well as just about every other type of ladder you may require at the Werner website.
Youngman Ladders : Moving across to the UK and the brand of ladder that you might consider is a Youngman. This is one of the leading makers of light ladders throughout the UK and you will find a range of ladders that get up to the heavy duty commercial grade but also caters for the light commercial and domestic use needs. The rating system gives these ladders an EN131 rating which is suitable for all commercial and domestic grade work. The multi purpose ladders in the Youngman range probably peaks with the range of ladders known as the Transforma ladders.
The Transforma gives you 19 different heights and 4 different ladder configurations for a ladde that provides a solution for whatever circumstance you may be faced with. The legs are even equipped with wheels to help with transporting the ladder from place to place. It can be used as an extension ladder, a step ladder, on stairs and as a trestle. It should be worthwhile checking out the Youngman website to have a look at all of the types of multi purpose ladders available.
Little Giant Ladder Systems : The Little Giant Ladder System has created a range of multi purpose ladders from the heavy duty commercial grade through to the domestic use grade. Even though the domestic grade ladders are rated as Type I Heavy Duty, they still carry a 250lb rating which is higher than most domestic use ladders.
In the Little Giant Ladder multi purpose range you can get yourself a ladder that will provide you with high enough access to get to the roof of a one storey house while it is in the A-frame configuration. This ladder also gives you a work platform and extension ladder option. The ladder can be extended out to a length of 19’ and can be folded down to a storage length of only 5’ 7”. This is a fantastic ladder that only costs $269 and you should check out the other options at the Little Giant Ladder System site.
For the heavy duty commercial ladders the company produces ladders with a 1AA rating which is a Special Heavy Duty, Industrial and Commercial Use rating of up to 375lbs. These ladders are the ones you buy when you need something that will take just about any abuse meted out to it. These ladders are as strong as you will ever require a ladder to be and the price reflects this at $420 – $470 depending on the size you require.
There are many other ladder manufacturers who will also be able to provide you with a large range of ladders covering all grades of use from domestic right up to heavy duty commercial. The three companies featured above should give you some guidance as to what you should be looking for and what you can expect to pay.
Are Multi Purpose Ladders Safe?
This is a question that may be holding some people back from buying a multi-purpose ladder. Because of the movable hinges and the clipping system required to lock the ladder into position some people have the perception that the multi-purpose ladder is not as sturdy as other types of commercial ladders. But the truth is that the commercial grade multi-purpose ladders are every bit as sturdy, reliable and safe as standard ladders.
They have to be to pass the required safety ratings to be given the commercial status.
Features such as non slip treads and wide bases to increase stability are built into these ladders. Ladders that have been designed for light trade use may include features such as stabiliser bars and restraining straps to increase the safety aspects and to provide an even sturdier base. To ensure you have plenty of ladder, even if you are planning on using if for domestic use, you should pay the extra money and buy yourself a heavy duty multi purpose ladder.
One of the downsides encountered with a number of multi purpose ladders that were tested by Choice magazine a few years ago exhibited problems when it came to the ease of use test. When compared to a stepladder it was found that most multi purpose ladders were difficult to set up because of all of the locking and unlocking of joints that were required.