In part two of our look at extension ladders we covered the options for trade use, so we are now going to look at extension ladders for heavy-duty industrial use. Again, the criteria for these comparisons are the same:

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?

Titan Industrial Ladders

Titan Ladders make heavy-duty Industrial extension ladders that are certified to BS 2037 Class 1 Industrial. These have a maximum static load rating of 175 kilos (27.5 stone) and are for use in heavy industrial environments. Their duty rating is 130 kilos. The Titan double extension ladder range runs from 2.5 to 6 metre models, in 50 cm increments. The 5.5 and 6 metre double extension ladders have a rope operation to aid extension as they are so long. The triple section extension ladders run from 2.5 to 5.5 metres tall, again in 50cm increments, and those ladders which are 4 metres and above have a rope operation to aid extension. They are not cheap, going from £98 for the 2.5 metre double section model to £435 for the 6 metre double section, rope operated model. The triple section extension ladders range from £153 for the 2.5 metre model, to £625 for the 5.5 metre rope operated model. These ladders can be fitted with SUPAGRIP swivel safety feet and wall wheels that help with extending the ladder. This costs just £40 and improves the safety and useability of the ladder (the rope operated models already come with this feature). The 2.5 metre double extension ladder has an extended length of 4 metres, weighs 11 kilos and has 9 rungs per section, so the rungs on these Industrial class ladders are the same distance apart as on the Trade class ones. The 3.5 metre model costs £142, weighs 17 kilos, extends to 6 metres and has 13 rungs per section. The 4.5 metre model costs £190, weighs 28 kilos, has 17 rungs per section and extends to 8.1 metres. The 5 metre model is available with or without rope operation, costing £235 without, and £340 with. The 5.5 metre model is also available with or without rope operation. The rope operated 5.5 metre model costs £380, extends to 10 metres, has 21 rungs per section and weighs 40 kilos. The double section 6 metre model extends to 11 metres, has 23 rungs per section, weighs 49 kilos and costs £435. The triple section Industrial extension ladders start at 2.5 metres, which weighs 28 kilos, extends to 5.5 metres with 9 rungs per section. The 3.5 metre model costs £230, weighs 35 kilos and extends to 8.6 metres with 13 rungs per section. The 4.5 metre model is rope operated, costs £529, extends to 11.6 metres and has 17 rungs per section. It weighs 55 kilos (roughly 8 stone). The 5.5 metre rope operated model weighs 65 kilos, has 21 rungs per section, extends to 14.7 metres and has 21 rungs per section. It costs £625. The Titan Industrial ladders have electroplated steel fittings for extra sturdiness, which also add to the feeling of quality. They offer great access solutions for building sites, warehouses and anywhere that a ladder will be really put through its paces. Although they are a lot heavier than their Trade standard counterparts, these ladders have the build quality to justify the extra weight and would require two people to properly and safely set up once you get past the 3.5 metre mark.

Youngman Extension Ladders

Youngman also offer a range of double and triple section extension ladders for Class 1 Industrial use (BS 2037 Class 1 Industrial with a duty rating of 130 kilos). Their range runs from a double 3.1 metre extension ladder to a triple 3.7 metre model, so the height range is smaller than the Titan range, but they are cheaper, with the 3.1 metre double section model costing just £99 including VAT and delivery. The Industrial extension ladders come with wall wheels and nylon tips at the top section for easy extension, as well as large rubber safety feet that offer great ground stability. The rungs are flat, so perhaps not as comfortable as the Titan range. The double section extension ladder range offers a 3.1, 3.7, 4.2, 4.8 and 5.4 metre model, while the triple section range is available in only 3.1 and 3.7 metre models. The 3.1 metre double section model costs £99, has 10 rungs per section, extends to 5.1 metres and weighs 14 kilos. The 3.7 metre model extends to 6.3 metres, weighs 16.5 kilos, has 12 rungs per section and costs £110. The 4.2 metre model has 14 rungs per section, weighs 21 kilos, extends to 7.4 metres and costs £133. The 4.8 metre model costs £160, weighs 28 kilos, extends to 8.6 metres and has 16 rungs per section. The 5.4 metre model has 18 rungs per section, weighs 33.5 kilos, extends to 9.7 metres and costs £205. The two triple section ladders are 3.1 metres (closed) with 10 rungs per section, extended length of 7.4 metres and a weight of 23.5 kilos at £155, or the 3.7 metre model, which costs £225, weighs 33.5 kilos, extends to 9.2 metres and has 12 rungs per section. Compared to the Titan range, where rope and pulley operation is offered at the heights over 4.5 metres, the Youngman range is all manual, so perhaps harder to operate on a regular basis. The Youngman range is lighter though, so for the heights achieved, there is less weight to contend with when carrying and extending the ladder. The different height brackets also allow more choice when considering the storage and transportation of your extension ladder, so between the Titan and Youngman ranges you should be able to find one that fits exactly on the top of your van. Deciding between the Titan and Youngman ranges comes down mainly to price, as the Youngman range is significantly cheaper. They are also lighter and although they are available in a more restricted height range than the Titan Industrial extension ladders, the different height brackets offer choice. The Titan range, although more expensive, have slightly more advanced user features, such as D shaped rungs, rope and pulley operation, optional wheel walls and closely spaced rungs. If the extension ladder is to be used regularly or for a long time, the Titan model would be more user friendly, as well as being available in more height options.