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sean84

Another ladder thread....
« on: December 06, 2011, 06:59:10 pm »
For my domestic round im going to start in the new year using trad methods, ground floor and first floor windows only (backpack for the rest) which ladder size would be best out of these two pages? Was thinking the double 3m?

http://www.midlandladders.com/catalog/TITAN_Trade_Industrial_Ladders-7-1.html

http://www.midlandladders.com/catalog/Class_1_Industrial_Ladders-26-1.html

Also I know the difference between the two classes of ladders but would the ladders on the top link be sufficient? And has anyone used the suapgrip feet (fitted free) on ladders in top link, what do you think to them? Btw vehicle im using is an estate.

Pope vader

  • Posts: 1944
Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2011, 07:31:10 pm »
dont bother with ladders.  just wfp every thing,  ask dazmond

sean84

Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2011, 07:39:07 pm »
Sounds good, but im only starting out so dont want to spend hundreds of pounds on equipment if things go wrong....
At least with roof racks, ladders etc I can use them for other things other than window cleaning and if things go well maybe in a few years get a van and WFP system. I will be getting a backpack for hard to reach windows if I feel the need to as and when.

g.brookes

  • Posts: 950
Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2011, 08:04:57 pm »
hi sean.  when i started up about 18 months ago i got the titan ladders youve linked on the top, with the yellow feet as well.  they are excellent on sloping ground and give a much bigger surface area that standard feet.  however, that doesnt mean they wont ever slip so always take a second to make sure everythings safe. 
ive got the 3.5 metre ones, but i reckon the 4 metre doubles would have been best.  the industrial ones would be too heavy imo to carry around all day

Paul Coleman

Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2011, 08:15:42 pm »
This feels a bit like one of those scenarios where you know people will inject drugs so they have to be taught how to do it in the least harmful manner.

So, as you have rejected the option of WFP (for now), the next bit is to give you tips on reducing your risks on a ladder (my drugs analogy may sound extreme but people can get killed using ladders too)  :) .

IMO, the best one to go for is a 3.5mtr double (not 3mtr).  There will be times when you need to sit the top of the ladder above the frame to reduce the angle - particularly above bays.
Get a ladder with kitemark BSEN131 (there is another one too that is OK but can't remember it).
Now I've used ladders for years and rarely stuck anything underneath for stability but the regs seem to say that you should do so.  Some ladders come with such things already attached and some don't.  I feel that this is a matter of personal preference.  There are a number of things that can go underneath,  though placing total reliance on some of them would be folly.
Top of the ladder.  This next bit is important.  Although many window cleaners don't bother, getting "ladder mitts" on the top of your ladder will decrease the risk of it slipping sideways by a considerable margin (it doesn't work if the sill is iced up though).  If you leave them on, it will mean carrying your ladder around open by one rung.  Do use these - every time.
Avoid decking - particularly if it's damp/wet.  Avoid mossy patios.
Do invest in a pole on which you can place an applicator and a squeegee (check out the varieties that swivel).  This will allow you to do some kind of clean on most windows where access might otherwise be dangerous.
There are various things that can go under the ladder to help with safety.  Plenty of info on the net.

Take a look at this page:

http://www.soapnational.co.uk/acatalog/ladder-accessories.html

I particularly like the one for decking.  That's a new one on me.
Stay safe.

Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2011, 08:27:13 pm »
get em spiked up . a lot better than feet or mats or suckers . you can ram the spikes nearly anywhere ;)

sean84

Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2011, 08:34:40 pm »
Great advice chaps, will be bookmarking this page!

tacky

  • Posts: 1575
Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2011, 09:08:29 pm »
as paul said .3.5 titan i always used these for about 15 yrs when i was trad . when u by a set order 1 or 2 pairs or rubber feet so u can change them when others wear down .theirs nothing worse than seeing ladders on top of veicles with no rubber feet n about 3 ins of ali missing

bobby p

Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #8 on: December 06, 2011, 09:11:33 pm »
personally id get a 3 metre triple.   most days the first 2 bits will be enuff ,plus short enuff to get round the back of houses easy.   3.5 is too big to get round the back easy

dave park

  • Posts: 81
Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #9 on: December 07, 2011, 12:20:59 am »
What i'm thinking is why start trad and then have the agro involved in converting custards to wfp?
Alot of the time you can lose work when converting cos they don't like the idea of you not getting up close and personal with the glass.

I know cos i do both and have been trad for 23 years, I only use wfp on dangerous to reach windows so i know what the custards like ::)
 it would be best to start as you intend to go on IMO.

If you do decide to start trad get a 3.5 double without the rubber feet and get a set of spikes fitted, as already said get some ladder mitts too and you'll be all set ;)

Best wishes

Dave


northstar161

Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #10 on: December 07, 2011, 07:34:19 am »
Or maybe consider a 3.5m A-frame? Got mine from Globe Ladders. Expensive buy worth it imo and you won't need to buy mitts for these and you can use the feet at the top of the base of the ladder as spares when the feet wear out.. I also have two rucsacs in the full of about 20kg of sand that I use to foot the ladder if I have any doubts. Also use alloy feet for wet grass and decking and a basic £14 ladder matt sometimes.

My triple; that I use for townhouses, gutters and occassional 2nd floors has an Ankalad stabiliser fitted (ask them to send you a load of spare nipples for holding the legs when they are extended as they tend to break).

Good luck.

dazmond

  • Posts: 24450
Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #11 on: December 07, 2011, 08:53:11 am »
Just use the backpack for all upper windows.a few barrels in the car/ van.use a bottle on a belt and leave bucket in vehicle.easy to switch.trad ground floors.

3.5m trade ladders for gates and the odd flat roof.
price higher/work harder!

Ian Lancaster

  • Posts: 2811
Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #12 on: December 07, 2011, 05:22:59 pm »
http://www.midlandladders.com/catalog/Extending_A_Ladders-49-1.html

Get one of these, the 3.5m double.  Why use a ladder designed for builders and general purpose when you can buy one specifically for the job, designed by window cleaners (circa 1950 - Shaftesbury Ladder Co) for window cleaners.

The reason they are pointed is that no matter where you set them, all three contact points will be in contact with the ground/building.  An open ender can only be stable where the ground is flat and exactly at 90 degrees to the vertical surface, otherwise one foot or top will be unsupported and the ladder will 'rock'.

Dick

  • Posts: 304
Re: Another ladder thread....
« Reply #13 on: December 07, 2011, 06:32:00 pm »
I use Abru double 3.5mt (12 rungs each section) trade specification, can't fault them, D section rungs easier on the feet and not too heavy.