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Last Post 09/11/2011 10:46 PM by  CatAdjusterX
TELESCOPIC LADDERS
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JRM8833
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04/21/2010 9:14 PM

    I just wanted to get some input   from experienced users of the telescopic ladders

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    admin
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    04/21/2010 11:44 PM

    One the first discussions we had on telescopic ladders was in 1999, here a link to that thread;

    http://www.catadjuster.org/discus/m...4/128.html

    Here's another one from 2004;

    http://www.catadjuster.org/forum2/t...hichpage=2">Nifty Telescoping Ladder

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    Tim_Johnson
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    04/22/2010 8:24 AM
    I will sum it up in one word, "junk"
    Tim Johnson
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    Allan Freeman
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    04/22/2010 1:17 PM

    Hey Tim, I know guys that have used them for years with no problems. What was your experience with them?

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    RandyC
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    04/22/2010 3:18 PM
    The trick is to slam them down hard a couple of times to set the locks--like a smoker packs tobacco in a cigarette. Before I learned that trick, I had one collapse on me while doing a double pull. I danced a little but didn't get hurt. I don't like the way they feel when my 230 lbs are climbing them. I use a step ladder for double pulls with four contact points when I can. The telescope is a last resort, but I will use it with caution.

    At least twice I've had my thumbnail smashed. I think I've learned how to use them, but I would never recommend them to others.
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    Tim_Johnson
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    04/22/2010 4:22 PM
    Well, I tip the scales at #220 - #230 and I did not like how the ladder would bow inward when I was going up or down. The first one I had got to where it hung up and would not collapse all the way. I took it back to the retailer and he replaced it. The second one, in short order, hung up and would not extend all of the way. I got my mad going on and jerked on it real hard and jerked it into 2 pieces. Took it back to the retailer and he would not replace it. He said he could ship it back to Switzerland for repairs but the shipping would be more than the ladder cost. I left it laying in 2 pieces on his floor and left. I then ordered the largest Stapleton, with extension, they had at the time and still have it.
    Tim Johnson
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    Jud G.
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    04/22/2010 4:32 PM

    I used it in 2002 and it collapsed on me because of one of those squirrely pins.  I ended up switching it out to use one of our company's bulky Stapleton ladders.  That's a trusty ladder, but we do live in a different age I suppose.  My ladder of choice for now is any one that incorporates the Little Giant design; Werner or Costco. 

    All that to say that I'm actually interested in checking out the Telesteps ladder again since I've met a couple of adjusters who swear by them.  Perhaps they are safer than they used to be?  Does anyone know of design overhauls or changes?

    With mileage charges becoming nearly as taboo as charging for photos, I'm being forced to consider this dangerous apparatus as I consider the purchase of a Prius, Mini Cooper, or perhaps even a motorcycle.  My 4 cylinder Accord has me nervous as the next gas crisis could come any day.  I have no idea how adjusters are able to survive while using a truck to drive to their claims- I barely make enough in my current situation. 

    Regarding carriers who don't pay mileage expect us to be 'two story' ladder ready and don't allow professional consideration for the second visit- don't get me started- perhaps another thread, eh? 

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    JimGary
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    04/22/2010 5:02 PM
    As I have stated several times, my Werner fold-up 14' fits in the trunk of my Corolla. Only had a couple situations where I needed more. And at 37 mpg, I'm not looking to change anytime soon. The telescoping ladders may be worth a look, a very cautious look. When they collapse, they collapse straight down, a folding ladder will collapse inward toward the structure wall. Not a lot better, but makes me feel safer.

    JWG
    I know the voices aren't real, but sometimes they're right!
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    Allan Freeman
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    04/22/2010 6:24 PM
    Anyone use the Xtend & Climb, hear they are more reliable than the Telesteps.
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    Ray Hall
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    04/22/2010 10:56 PM

    I am a Stapelton Guy. But my 25 year old was in the trunk of my Accord when I was rear ended. Purchased a used Santa Fe, put the seat down on the left side and the Costco fits fine. Always use a bungie to tie off on the gutter. Shoot I am too old to climb a roof, but when its my time.........

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    ChuckDeaton
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    04/23/2010 11:18 AM
    Should you just have a need to get hurt, use a complicated piece of equipment. Telescopic ladders are nothing if they are not complicated. Safety over the long haul is the name of this game.
    "Prattling on and on about being an ass with experience doesn't make someone experienced. It just makes you an ass." Rod Buvens, Pilot grunt
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    BARBHARTHCOCK
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    04/24/2010 11:41 PM
    Tim Johnson summed it up well: junk. My husband came off of one several years ago; ripped the gutter off of the insured's front elevation; broke his 35mm camera. He had to re-climb the roof when he was finally able to get up. His clipboard and folder was on the roof. That was the end of that ladder. He has never tried any other ladder again except his fold up ladder.
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    brighton
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    04/25/2010 8:38 AM

    Well said Chuck. The company I worked for 10 years ago gave me one and when it failed it was on my arch trying to climb up. Gave it back to them.

    Rocke Baker
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    Tom Toll
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    04/25/2010 4:11 PM

    Little Giant costs a bit more, but the quality, in my opinion, is better. Janice and I use nothing but Little Giant and they have never failed. Like anything mechanical, you just have to make sure everything is secure before climbing. Telesteps I would never consider after seeing an adjuster come down on one, breaking his arm.

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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    BarryB
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    04/26/2010 10:25 AM

     There is a HUGE difference between the telescoping ladders that are rated at 225 versus the 300lb rating. Those are pretty hard to find and I last bought mine at a Ace Hardware. I know they can special order them for you. The main difference is the locking pins and the rungs (pole sections) from the middle upwards are twice the size of the lower rated versions. I've been on well over 500 roofs with mine and the only complaint I've ever had is it's a little difficult to close up now since I've used it so much. I've recently purchased a little giant though and LOVE it too. If you're going to use the telescoping models though make sure its the heavy grade version. hope this helps... as I've also had one of the lighter weight versions and I would sooner rather climb up spaghetti!!

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    Tom Toll
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    04/26/2010 2:56 PM

    Stapleton was the ladder years ago. After 26 years, mine finally wore out and I chose to try the Little Giant and glad I did.

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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    Tim_Johnson
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    04/26/2010 3:44 PM
    Boy Tom! Carrying that frame of yours up and down for 26 years is the only testimony Stapleton needs!
    Tim Johnson
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    ceckraft
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    04/26/2010 4:33 PM
    Ladders should probably be replaced every several years. I used a 4 fold wood stapleton ladder for about 7 years until I found I could grab a werner 16' extension ladder and run with it, fight off dogs and carry it easily in the back of my PU truck. By the time I opened the tailgate, trunk or lift gate, I could be climbing a roof with the light extension ladder. The telescoping ladders are for the occasional roof adjuster. Heavy and consistent use it's not made for. When it goes you are in one heck of a pickle. By the way, I have a heavy duty "Little Giant" the biggest they make that someone could chisel me out of. I paid a lot for it and at my advanced age and little stature (160 lbs) I can barely manage it. Also you can get a rack for a Mini or Scion and a 16' extension would fit nicely on top and be easy to handle.
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    ChuckDeaton
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    04/26/2010 4:34 PM
    The Stapleton was the only thing when we were young and company cars had a biiiiiiig trunck and back seat. Six cylinders, three speed on the column and a jug of iced tea, no A/C. A yellow pad on a clipboard, man those were the days.

    Now I have a hydraulic lift that I pull behind the truck.
    "Prattling on and on about being an ass with experience doesn't make someone experienced. It just makes you an ass." Rod Buvens, Pilot grunt
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    Olivegreen
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    05/08/2010 3:58 PM
    I probably have 1500 inspections with my X-Tend & Climb 16' and it is going strong. That and a 28' extension ladder gets me on anything. I just wish I could get a 28' telescopic and nix the roofrack. I have thought about becoming a dealer of the X-Tend, I could have sold 80 of them last year.
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