In part one of this look at extension ladders we looked at how they work, what they are made from and some of the criteria you might use when selecting an extension ladder for DIY use. To save you going back to look at the selection criteria, here is a quick recap:

Height when closed: where can I store this ladder? Will I be able to transport this ladder?

Extended length: is this ladder long enough for the heights I work at?

Weight: can I carry this ladder?

Load rating: is this ladder suitable and legally fit for the purpose?

Safety features: does this ladder have features I need in my job?

Cost: is this the best value for money for my needs?

Ladders for the workplace are subject to regulations that don't apply in the domestic world, so ensure that the ladder you buy and the ladders you use are certified accordingly. Trade ladders are certified to BS EN131 and have a load rating of 150 kilos (23.5 stone), so are sturdier than ladders certified only for home use. It is important to make sure ladders used in the workplace comply with Working at Height regulations and safety standards and are regularly inspected and maintained.

Lyte Trade Ladders

Lyte produce a range of double and triple extension ladders for trade use. Their double extension ladder range goes from 2.5 to 5.5 metres (in 50cm increments), and their triple extension ladder range goes from 2.5 to 4 metres. As with the DIY range, these extension ladders can be separated into individual sections, offering versatility through a range of heights. The 2.5 metre model costs £66 (including VAT and delivery), has 8 rungs per section and extends to 3.8 meters. It weighs in at 9 kilos. The 3.5 metre model weighs 14 kilos, has 12 rungs per section, extends to 5.9 metres and costs £95. The 4.5 metre model has 15 rungs per section, extends to 7.8 metres, weighs 20.5 kilos and costs £124. The tallest, the 5.5 metre model, costs £147, weighs 29 kilos, extends to 9.9 metres and has 19 rungs per section. This extension ladder is just about the tallest you can buy: if you need anything taller then you need to start thinking about scaffolding and other access solutions. The triple extension ladder range can be used as a triple, double or single ladder, offering a lot of height versatility with the ability to use it as two or even three ladders at the same time. They are available in heights of 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 metres (closed length/length of each section) and cost between £101 and £164 including VAT and delivery. As with all Lyte ladders, there are moulded PVC feet at the end of each section and comfortable serrated treads for non-slip grip. The 2.5 metre model has 8 rungs per section, extends to 5.2 metres and weighs 16.5 kilos. The 3 metre model has 10 rungs per section, extends to 6.8 metres, weighs 18.5 kilos and costs £115. The 3.5 metre model costs £143, weighs 25.5 kilos, extends to 8.4 metres and has 12 rungs per section. The 4 metre model weighs 28.5 kilos, extends to 10.2 metres and has 14 rungs per section. As with the Lyte DIY extension ladders, you can now order accessories (paint bucket, stand off bracket etc) for half price with these ladders, so whichever one you go for, you can get a really comprehensive ladder system for a relatively small investment. The choice between a double or triple extension ladder comes down to whether you need the versatility of a triple ladder system, with the added bonus of them being smaller when stored. The double extension ladders work out slightly cheaper for the height provided and are lighter than their triple section counterparts. However, if you often have the need for two ladders of different heights, the triple extension ladder has to be the winner.

Titan Trade Ladders

Titan Ladders have a range of aluminium extension ladders designed for Trade and Light Industrial use (BS EN131) and they are available in double and triple section models. The double section extension ladders come in 2.5 to 5.5 metre lengths (in 50cm increments) and the triple section ones are between 2 and 4 metres long, again rising in 50cm increments. This is largely the same height range as Lyte, but Titan offer the shorter 2 metre triple section extension ladder. All the ladders come with SUPAGRIP swivel safety feet for unbeatable ground contact and anti-slip. Additionally, these ladders have the rungs spaced only 10 inches apart, instead of the more common 12 inches, meaning they are easier to climb, especially if you have short legs. The half price accessories offer also applies to these extension ladders, so take advantage in order to get a really comprehensive ladder system. The double section extension ladders are priced between £79 and £180 including VAT and delivery. The 2.5 metre model extends to 4.1 metres, weighs 10 kilos and has 9 rungs per section (where the Lyte equivalent has 8 per section). The 3.5 metre model has 13 rungs per section, weighs 13 kilos, has 13 rungs per section and costs £110. The 4.5 metre model costs £142, weighs 23 kilos, has 17 rungs per section and extends to 8.1 metres. The 5.5 metre model extends to 9.8 metres, has 21 rungs per section and weighs 28 kilos. There is not much difference in the weight and extended reach of these ladders compared to the Lyte models, but the extra rungs per section do increase the weight and price slightly. The Titan Ladders triple section extension ladders start at the 2 metre model, costing £108. This is a height not offered as a triple section model by Lyte, but extending to 4.4 metres this ladder provides a high reach with a short storage/transport length. There are 7 rungs per section and it weighs 13 kilos. The next model up, the 2.5 metre triple extension ladder costs £116, extends to 5.6 metres, has 9 rungs per section and weighs 15 kilos. The 3.5 metre model costs £169, weighs 27 kilos, has 13 rungs per section ad extends to 8.6 metres. The 4 metre model costs £195, extends to 10 metres, has 15 rungs per section and weighs 32 kilos. Again, the weight and price is higher, for comparable reach. The advantage of the Titan Ladders is that the safety feet provide a superior grounding and the shorter spacing of the rungs makes them easier to climb. However, those from Lyte Ladders are cheaper and can be used as separate ladders, making them better value for money as less equipment is needed. In part three we will look at extension ladders for heavy-duty industrial use.