If you don’t have one already, an extension ladder can come in very handy at your business or worksite. Extension ladders can be used for painting, changing lightbulbs, decorating, and cleaning, and lots of other everyday uses.
What is an extension ladder?
An extension ladder extends to add extra height to the existing ladder. This eliminates the use for multiple ladders in different sizes, as extension ladders can adjust to multiple heights. They are made from either aluminum or fiberglass and come in a variety of sizes.
Extension ladders, unlike regular ladders, usually only have 2 feet that touch the ground. This means they cannot stand up on their own and need to lean up against a wall or building for support. However, when properly set up, extension ladders can be the exact height you need them to be, which can prevent common ladder accidents like standing on the top rung of a ladder because it isn’t tall enough.
Why Do I Need An Extension Ladder for My Small Business?
An extension ladder isn’t just another tool; it’s a versatile asset that can significantly benefit a small business. If you’re on the fence about whether to invest in one, consider the following reasons:
- Enhanced Accessibility: Small businesses, especially those in construction, maintenance, or even window cleaning sectors, often face tasks requiring height access. An extension ladder provides that access, making tasks like painting or roof repairs more manageable.
- Cost Savings: Hiring equipment or professionals every time you need to reach a higher place can quickly add up. Purchasing your own ladder is a one-time investment that can save you money in the long run.
- Safety First: Modern extension ladders are built with safety in mind. They come equipped with non-slip feet, stabilizing bars, and other features that reduce the risk of accidents.
Key Benefits of Extension Ladders for Small Businesses:
- Flexibility: Adjustable length means you can use it for various tasks without needing multiple ladders.
- Space-saving: They collapse down, making storage in small spaces or transportation in standard vehicles easy.
- Durable: Made with high-quality materials, they are designed to last, ensuring you get a return on your investment.
By investing in an extension ladder, you’re not only boosting your business’s capabilities but also ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your business’s toolkit, an extension ladder is a worthy investment.
How We Chose the Ladders on Our List
When selecting an extension ladder, it’s crucial to consider various factors to ensure safety, efficiency, and value for money. Here’s our curated list of criteria, along with a scale indicating the importance of each factor:
- Safety Features (Scale: 10/10):
- Slip-resistant feet.
- Sturdy locking mechanisms.
- Compliance with safety standards (OSHA, ANSI).
- Material and Durability (Scale: 9/10):
- Aluminum or fiberglass construction for strength and longevity.
- Resistance to weathering and corrosion.
- Weight Capacity (Scale: 9/10):
- Suitable weight rating for intended use (e.g., Type IA for heavy-duty, Type III for light-duty).
- Height and Adjustability (Scale: 8/10):
- Adequate height for your specific needs.
- Extendable sections for versatility.
- Ease of Use and Portability (Scale: 7/10):
- Lightweight for easy transportation.
- Smooth extension and retraction mechanisms.
- Brand Reputation and Warranty (Scale: 6/10):
- Trusted manufacturer with positive reviews.
- Warranty coverage for defects or issues.
- Price and Value for Money (Scale: 5/10):
- Competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
- Long-term investment versus short-term savings.
- Additional Features (Scale: 4/10):
- Non-conductive rails for electrical work safety.
- Integrated leveling for uneven surfaces.
We used these criteria when curating our product list to ensure we recommend extension ladders that not only meet the diverse needs of small businesses but also prioritize safety and value. Check out our picks below.
Extension Ladders For Sale on Amazon
Little Giant Ladders Multi-Position Ladder
We liked this multi-position ladder the best because of its versatility – it converts to A-frame, extension, trestle-and-plank, 90-degree and staircase configurations. This is a two-person ladder that holds up to 300 lbs.
Little Giant Ladders, Velocity with Wheels, M22, 22 Ft, Multi-Position Ladder
Louisville Ladder Fiberglass Extension Ladder
Our next pick is from Louisville Ladder. It is a 16 ft. fiberglass extension ladder with a 300 lb capacity. This ladder is perfect for most general tasks; it is easy to store and comes highly rated by its buyers.
Louisville Ladder FE3216 Fiberglass Extension Ladder
12.5FT Telescopic Extension Ladder
This multipurpose telescopic extension ladder can hold up to 330 lbs. It’s is made from aluminum alloy and is designed for easy storage and portability.
RIKADE Aluminum Telescoping Ladder with Non-Slip Feet
This lightweight ladder extends to 20.34 ft. and features non-slip feet and a self-locking mechanism.
20.3FT RIKADE Aluminum Telescoping Ladder with Non-Slip Feet
Werner 32ft. Extension Ladder
Werner is known for making high-quality, sturdy ladders. This one is their tallest – it extends to 32 feet. It can hold 300 lbs and weighs 71.5 lbs.
Werner D6232-2 Extension-ladders, 32-Foot
EnergyBear Portable Extendable Multi-Purpose Ladder
This ladder features widened non-slip treads, a portable handguard design, and mobile rollers. It can support up to 330 lbs and is favorably reviewed for being easy to use and move around.
EnergyBear Telescoping Ladder Extension Multi-Purpose
Soctone Multi-Position Collapsible Ladder
This ladder has some great features – 2 stabilizer bars for extra stability, a removable tool tray, and the ability to conform to multiple positions. It fully extends to 17 ft and can be an A-frame ladder, staircase ladder, and more.
Soctone Extension Ladder & Step Ladder
MEANFUN Stainless Steel Telescoping Ladder
This stainless steel telescoping ladder has a convenient one-button retraction feature, as well as a slow retraction speed to prevent hand injury. It can extend to 12.5,’ and has a foldable design and storage strap.
MEANFUN Stainless Steel Telescoping Loft Ladder with One-Button Retraction
Little Giant Ladders Fiberglass Extension Ladder
The King Kombo fiberglass extension ladder from Little Giant Ladders converts to stepladder, extension and leaning ladder configurations. It has a rotating wall pad and a slim design for fitting into tight spaces. It comes in high visibility green.
Little Giant Ladders King Kombo Professional 10 Ft. Extension
Werner 40 ft Extension Ladder
The last ladder on our list is also the tallest. Werner makes their ladders up to 40 feet high, which is this aluminum ladder’s maximum height. It can hold up to 225 lbs and has slip-resistant rungs and interlocking side rails.
Werner D1240-2 Extension-ladder40-Foot
What To Look for When Buying an Extension Ladder
As you can see, extension ladders aren’t cheap. But they are a worthy investment, as long as you get the one that best suits your needs. Here are some important things to look for when shopping for an extension ladder:
- Height – Figure out the height you think you’ll need before purchasing a ladder. You don’t want to end up with more ladder than you need, or worse – not enough.
- Material – Aluminum is lightweight and strong, while fiberglass provides maximum durability and safety. In this case, you’ll simply want to choose what is best for you.
- Storage – Going along with height and material, you’ll want to figure out ahead of time where you can store your ladder. Some of the ladders on our list can collapse to much smaller sizes, but others will require larger storage space.
- Safety Features – Look for a ladder with extra safety features like non-slip bottoms and rungs
- Duty Rating – This refers to the amount of weight the ladder can support. Be sure it can handle the weight of whatever you plan to use it for.
Ladder Safety
While ladders are extremely helpful and convenient, it is important to always use the right ladder the right way. The number one cause of ladder injuries is human error, including using a ladder that is too low, trying to carry heavy items up and down the ladder, and uneven positioning. Always make sure there is at least one other person with you when using a ladder, and that you are within the ladder’s height and weight capabilities. Additionally, make sure the ladder is always positioned at the correct angle and on the ground securely.
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This article, "Extension Ladders For Sale: Get One For Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends
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