little giant ladders

A

Alan m

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Joined
Aug 11, 2010
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3,318
hi there.

im thinking of getting a small ladder that will fit in my small van. i would like one that can be used as a a frame  and as a ladder to get me up into an attic or up to soffet level.

i am looking at at the little giant ladders. i think one of them should so everything  i need.
i was quoted 300 euro for a small 3 foot one. it should extend to 10 feet  and be big enough for reaching ceilings etc. this includes an attachment to hold the the ladder away from the wall .

any opinions on the ladders and how they will work for what i want.

is this a good deal.
 
Alan

They are good ladders. A couple of things about them...make sure that you (or anyone under your watch) using one knows how to use it. Some horrible accidents occur when these things are not set up and locked in properly.

Also, while I think they are very handy, I would not want it to be my only, or even primary, ladder type. They are a little cumbersome for many applications. Lightweight aluminum extensions are the easiest to deal with on a daily basis.

There are also straight telescoping ladders that are pretty good if you just want something that is convenient for transport and occasional use.

All of the specialty ladders like this are priced a good bit higher than conventional extensions.
 
I bought my first Little Giant Ladder in 1992. I now have 6 of them. I have 2 each of the model 13, 17 & 22. Mine are the classic style. They do not have the rollers on them.
I carry 1 model 13 in my truck & take the others as needed, depending on the job. I love them & now hate using any other types ladders. They work great on steps.
I also have all of the accessories. I use the platform step the most.
 
An old boss of mine had one.  I too found it to be a bit heavy and a PITA to set up sometimes.  The locking pins on his were VERY hard to pull out and get to lock properly.    

It could have been that the one I used was old, but it sure as heck didn't set up as easy as the guy in the video makes it seem.  The new model looks much lighter.

I also found that we hardly ever utilized its nifty features; it was just a heavy folding ladder.

Scott B. said:
There are also straight telescoping ladders that are pretty good if you just want something that is convenient for transport and occasional use.
Click to expand...

I haven't use one of those before, but it looks a little sketchy.  
 
While they can be useful the price is a bit high. The patents on the design have expired so at least in the US you can find reasonable quality knockoffs like Werner at Home Despot etc. for less.

 
I have the 22' version of the Little Giant. I use it for all kinds of things - but it is heavy. It is also a small system in itself.
I have the roller version (two wheels on one of the extensions) with the platform and the leveling leg. All of which I have used in the last week.
I also have a compatible spreader (for going across windows) and a couple of other items I regularly use with it.
I find I often use it with  only one extension piece - the one that also has the leveler attached and usually (not always) at the bottom. (the extension also makes a good spreader!) This also reduces the weight.
As with all ladders you need to think safety. Always ensure the locks are in place!
I find it cumbersome to work with (as in put up) in small spaces, however given it can be a 22' ladder as well a smaller version might be more appropriate. It is often a case of using what I have, rather than the 'right tool for the job'.
I need to lubricate it on occasions - the hinges and locks do get stiff.
But once you get the hang of them they are great for stairs or working where regular ladders will not go. As a step ladder they can go up against a wall or safely up a half flight of stairs.
The wide base on the extensions makes them a little more stable than regular ladders, but you can always add a stabilizer onto regular ladders.
I did not buy the extendible platform as in most cases it was too long for my typical usage. However I have seen them in use and would recommend them over a fixed length plank. 
When standing at the lower end the double rungs are easier on the feet. The platform is easy on the feet and great for putting things on when used as a step ladders platform.
There are copies - and variations.
I got very good support and service from the manufacturer when I needed some new feet.
I also have regular stepladders (much easier to pull out for a small job).
When folded they will stand up by themselves - but could easily blow over.
I do not do much electrical work - these are metal remember.

The true test - would I buy another?
Yes. but as I am getting older I would buy the next size down, simply because of the weight.
You pays your money and ...

SteveD
 
this wouldnt be a replament for a good extension ladder  (i have a three part ladder that will easily reach the ridge of my house). this will be used for work inside houses  and light work on the exterior. mostly fitting  appliances, painting, filling etc, getting int attics to insulate them. fitting soffet vents , lights, pipes, etc. mostly light quick work situations where scaffold isnt required ( i would set up2 trusses and a few planks when needed).

the reason im looking at these is that i can have it permenently in the van  , i dont need to put it on the roof (could be robbed, gets wet(people dont like puddles on their carpet), also i would have it all the time so if a situation pops up i have it. no more asking around to borrow a ladder.

i know it heavy but there are a lot of parts to it. it would be worse if it was too light.

the cheaper knock offs seam more plentyfull in the us than over here.
 
They are excellent and as others have pointed out they can be heavy - mine is the 22' one and tough to manouever in small spaces but really well made and reliable. Mine's taken a beating over the years but all the latches still work fine.  Since the patents expired, I've seen very similar ladders priced much cheaper though. If you need to work on stairs occasionally, the are invaluable for that. I'd certainly recommend them but also would look for less expensive alternatives that are available now

Chris
 
I acquired my first Little Giant, a 17' one, in 1980.  It shows some signs of wear, and it can be considered a bit heavy, but given its sturdiness, I'll take it.  

[smile]
 
I have the 21' Gorilla brand one. It's a Little Giant knock off, but was around $150 (I think ???)
It is very handy, but it's heavy.
I normally use step ladders and extension ladders, but this type of ladder definitely has a place in the trades.
 
I've had the 17 for about 12 years and it's the first ladder I grab when I need to go up - it is very stable with the splayed legs.  The only thing I don't like is the splayed legs when you have it setup as a straight ladder -  it is a little uncomfortable to get off when up against a roof.

As far as sticky latches go, I spray mine with a graphite lubricant occasionally and they work fine.  I have the work platform and use it to hold paint as well as standing on it.

I'd recommend it because it is stable and easy to carry.  I just stick one arm through and carry it on one shoulder upright.
 
Alan m said:
hi there.

im thinking of getting a small ladder that will fit in my small van. i would like one that can be used as a a frame  and as a ladder to get me up into an attic or up to soffet level.

i am looking at at the little giant ladders. i think one of them should so everything  i need.
i was quoted 300 euro for a small 3 foot one. it should extend to 10 feet  and be big enough for reaching ceilings etc. this includes an attachment to hold the the ladder away from the wall .

any opinions on the ladders and how they will work for what i want.

is this a good deal.
Click to expand...

Do you have a model number?

I just did all the resource this last summer and had quite a long thread going here .

I ended up buying the Type 1A Revolution XE Model 22. It stores as a 5'7" package, it will go from a "A" frame 5' to 9'. Or as a normal ladder, of 11' to 19'  US price is now $399. It can split into 2 "A" ladders and you can put a scaffold at 3'.

In a house you don't want to be putting the ladder against the wall. I can set it up and reach a 12' ceiling without touching a wall.

The only downside to owning a Little Giant ladder is you will want more and more. Just like Festool.  It is a system and it all works well together.

Cheers,
Steve
 
i dont have a part no as i was ringing off of a mobile and only wanted a price.
 
Love that William  [laughing] [laughing] [laughing] [laughing] [laughing]

Alan do you have screwfix in Ireland ? I bought one of those multi ladders from them last year and its great. Very well made and strong enough for TRADE use it came with a platform too so you can use it as a scaffold.

this is the one I have as you can see it gets good reviews.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/multipurpose-ladder-with-platform-4-section-3-rung-3-34m/27581
 
Scott B. said:
Alan

They are good ladders. A couple of things about them...make sure that you (or anyone under your watch) using one knows how to use it. Some horrible accidents occur when these things are not set up and locked in properly.

Also, while I think they are very handy, I would not want it to be my only, or even primary, ladder type. They are a little cumbersome for many applications. Lightweight aluminum extensions are the easiest to deal with on a daily basis.

There are also straight telescoping ladders that are pretty good if you just want something that is convenient for transport and occasional use.

All of the specialty ladders like this are priced a good bit higher than conventional extensions.
Click to expand...

I got one of those telescopic xtend ladders years ago still go it now!  It's like new only used it a couple of times!  Extends upto 3.8m I think!  Horrible don't like it at all they are handy for surveying or just checking something but for working of NO!! 

Fully extended they bend a lot they don't feel solid they are not for heavy use and so i wouldn't carry a lot of stuff on me while going up them ladders. 

I'm with Alan I have plenty of steps and ladders but these little big ladders seem a nice set of ladders to have in your van all the time but if your on a job longer than a couple of days I could bring my proper scafolding or ladders onto the job instead.

My local dealer has a set of the little big ladders but a knock of version and it feels a little cheap and crappy so I won't be bothering with them ones.

Jmb
 
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