Thursday, May 22, 2014

Why Industrial Extension Ladders Are The Less Expensive Alternative To Other Systems

By Marci Glover


No matter what industry you are involved in, a ladder is something that is simply necessary. It could be used to decorate or it may be used to decorate your clients office. The need for an A frame, in many applications, is appropriate, however, they are many more occasions when industrial extension ladders are needed for height and safety concerns.

In some cases, an A frame may be the better choice. This means that it can be used in the center of a space where there is nothing to lean against. The downside of this is that there is a safety limit on the height you can reach. The extension type will be able to accomplish tasks, at the perimeter of that space, where most of the ladder work occurs.

These types of ladders are the best choice when looking to get higher than about 12 to 15 feet. That is because of the safety concerns that must be considered when dealing with an A frame. You can not step higher than the second step from the top on these models. That leaves a lot of room that can not be used.

An extension unit has, as its basic features and benefits, the ability to extend from the current 10 or 12 foot length to as high as 30 or 36 feet. This is accomplished by moving the section up and latching it on the rungs to achieve that extra height. Some ladders will have as many as two or three extra sections that can be extended with two main systems.

The basic ladders have a hand actuated system which has the operator pushing the additional section up by hand. When it is at the correct height, an arm or hook will rest on one of the original rungs, holding it in place. A more advanced system and the more expensive units will use a pulley or set of pulleys, located at the top. The rope will be pulled to move these sections, one at a time, up or allowing them a controlled fall back into place.

Aluminum is a popular material for this valuable tool. Considerations must be made as to height, weight and costs for each ladder when thinking about which type of material. Wooden ones have been used in years past and are still not good for outside work. The best choice for many professional tradesmen is fiberglass. There are specific reasons for this.

Fiberglass will not conduct electricity. This is the only material electricians will use and many trades have followed suit with this as they all deal with electrical connections in many ways. The fiberglass ones are also very light and as strong as the aluminum ones. They do not corrode or rust and fair very well in outdoor activities, although storing them outside is still frowned upon.

Getting all of the best equipment to allow you to perform the tasks you need to on a day to day basis means at least one of these ladders. No manufacturing or commercial enterprise, certainly no construction company, can operate without having this ability. The ability to control your own climbing without the need for an expensive scissor lift or boom truck is a good feeling.




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