Tripod Ladder

andrewnewton

I'm considering  the purchase of a tripod ladder and like the idea of those with a platform for the feeling of extra stability for me. My research suggests there are 2 brands Hendon and Henchman. Wondering if anyone has experience of using either and if the Henchman is worth the extra purchase price

TIA

fidgetbones

I have a Niwaki version.  It is the only time I feel safe that high up.  Three legs means it can be pushed into hedges and all sorts of uneven places.

https://www.niwaki.com/store/tripod-ladders/

glasgowdan

Definitely get a 3 leg adjust one. My preference is Henchman, because they have the top safety/grab bar. It's incredibly useful for leaning on.

Hendons, Niwaki etc don't have that on the 3 leg adjust versions. Some people stand a rung higher on these versions, so they can reach slightly higher. However, this is a balancing act and no chance I'd consider doing it. 

glasgowdan

Tripods are the way to go for hedges. They can be wedged right up into the hedge. Thw frotn leg can be lifted a d pushed right unside the hedge, or you can stand 2ft back from the hedge with a pole trimmer and safely trim a wide area. Uneven ground and you're still perfectly level and safe. I do hedges on 40 degree slopes that'd be near impossible with straight or step ladders

BenCotto

I’ve been considering one of these and was inclined to go for Niwaki so thanks for your first hand perspective, Glasgowdan. However the gardener who is in charge of hedges says she’s perfectly happy with our long reach Stihl cordless hedge trimmer plus standard steps. I’m not arguing; it’s £250 saved.

andrewnewton

Hexagon said:

I have a bog standard ladder which creates holes in the grass from each leg. It’s due to be replaced.
 Assume these tripod things will do the same? Like the OP, I was also considering one with a platform to spread my weight across and prevent/lessen holes in grass.

Other option is just to get a sheet of mdf and use a ladder on that.

I think whatever style of ladder will create holes / dents in a lawn although unless you on a bowling green I wouldn't have thought that was too much of an issue. My idea of a platform ladder was from a safety perpective rather than preventing lawn damage

andrewnewton

glasgowdan said:

Definitely get a 3 leg adjust one. My preference is Henchman, because they have the top safety/grab bar. It's incredibly useful for leaning on.

Hendons, Niwaki etc don't have that on the 3 leg adjust versions. Some people stand a rung higher on these versions, so they can reach slightly higher. However, this is a balancing act and no chance I'd consider doing it. 

Thanks for that until you pointed it out I didn't realise Hendon only do the platform on the non adjustable version. I may not need the versatility of full adjustment as our garden is totally flat. In that case if you know are both brands of equivalent quality

glasgowdan

I'd still get the 3 leg adjust as you then get an extra 18" of height from the 3 leg adjustment. The ones with a single leg adjustment can't be set high or they'd sit at a funny angle. 

Effectively it means you can get a ladder one size smaller. 

Lots of professionals use both brands and I've heard no complaints about either.

andrewnewton

glasgowdan said:

I'd still get the 3 leg adjust as you then get an extra 18" of height from the 3 leg adjustment. The ones with a single leg adjustment can't be set high or they'd sit at a funny angle. 

Effectively it means you can get a ladder one size smaller. 

Lots of professionals use both brands and I've heard no complaints about either.

Thanks for that I hadn't considered the extra height from the 3 leg adjustment so may be able to afford the next size down

LunarSea

I'll be buying a 12' tripod ladder soon and will need a fully adjustable one. I've looked at the specs & photos of the Niwaki and the Henchman and can see a major difference between the two brands. The Henchman seems to assume you'll be in position on the 'platform' rung because the lower rungs are just basic thin single rungs that aren't comfortable to stand on for any length of time. This could be quite limiting and make it less flexible. The Niwaki appears to have double rungs all the way up and could therefore be more flexible for a range of heights but doesn't appear to have the safe 'platform' rung.

Has anyone had any experience using either of these?

andrewnewton

I've got a Henchman and can't say I've noticed discomfort from the lower rungs. Having said that I use it mainly for the benefit of the platform at the top as that's normally the issue when pruning / trimming for me.
I see you mention the 12 foot version. That's a large ladder to store