As we
approach the warmer weather and the longer days, our attention turns to our gardens
and outdoor spaces.  It is likely that we
have spent more time socialising outdoors than in previous years, so naturally
we will have compiled a long list of jobs we want to complete to improve and
maintain our garden spaces.

It might be a
little early in the year to start thinking about fruit picking, but that
doesn’t mean it’s too early to think about fruit picking ladders.  These specialist ladders are tripods, which
have been the preferred style of ladder for garden and orchard work for many
years.  The three legs provide more
stability on soft and uneven ground than traditional step ladders or leaning ladders.  Tapering towards the top, these ladders are
designed to access the heart of the tree and nestle in the crooks of branches,
allowing the user to reach exactly where they need to without stretching or
leaning over too far.

Henchman
platform tripod ladders are a great choice for garden and orchard jobs as all
three of the legs are adjustable.  This
versatility means that no matter what the terrain is like, the ladder can
always be set up safely (with the exception of very soft mud where any ladder
would be unsafe).  Being able to adjust
all three legs also means they can be set up against walls, and other features,
in a position where the user is as close as possible to the surface, something
which can’t be done with a standard step ladder or a tripod ladder with only
two adjustable legs.  The feet are wide
and set with claws which dig into the ground, making this ladder impossible to
wobble.

Free rubber
shoes can be added over the clawed feet when using the ladder on hard surfaces
(such as places where trees are planted within paved areas in ornamental
gardens or in public spaces, or even inside orangeries).  The deep platform provides a comfortable
place to stand for extended periods of time, while the supports in front of the
platform provide extra stability for your legs right up to the top of your
thighs.  This means hedge cutting is a
doddle, as you’re stable and well balanced below the waist, giving you the
ability to twist and reach with the trimming tool safely.   These professional standard tripod ladders
are available in heights from 1.8 metres to 4.8 metres.

If you don’t
need this much versatility and you’re just after something to use in an orchard
or on a couple of fruit trees we have cheaper, simpler options that will serve
your needs well.  We would advise giving
serious consideration to the advantages of the Henchman ladders when making
your choice, as these types of ladders serve many other purposes; maintenance
of climbing plants on buildings and pergolas becomes easy using a Henchman
tripod; so do think about the other jobs that need tackling too.

For gardens
with a lot of hedges and climbing plants, or a rose walk, the Hanbury Garden
Workstation is an investment you won’t regret. 
This mobile folding platform is available in three different heights,
and all four legs are adjustable to allow it to be set up on uneven ground,
including across steps.  This isn’t just
for use in the garden, as it can also be used for internal painting and
decorating jobs, external wall maintenance and virtually any job where you need
to be working at height for a long time. 
The wide, deep platform allows you to access long stretches of hedge or
wall without having to move a ladder every foot or so, and provides an
excellent base from which to safely use power tools. 

The Hanbury
Workstation folds flat for easy storage and can be set up by one person.  Lockable castors allow it to be wheeled
safely around but locked in place when in use, and it will fit through standard
doorways without any trouble.  It can
take a load of 275 kilos, which means that two people could work at the same
time (ideal for getting through painting jobs in record time), and you don’t
need to worry about the weight of any tools you’re using.

If you want
to make improvements to your garden (and your inside spaces) then these ladders
designed for outdoor use are a fantastic investment, especially for
professionals looking to take on bigger and better jobs that require specialist
access equipment.  They can be used
indoors too, so you’re really getting two ladders for the price of one when you
consider the many jobs that can be tackled with an adjustable tripod ladder or
a garden workstation.