Little Giant Ladder

[EddieWalker]

I've seen them around but never had one. I have six ladders and don't really need one, but I do seem to have the wrong one with me more often then I would like.

Does anybody own one of theses? The infomercial that I just watched is for the new Extreme model that really seems impressive.

What do they cost?

Thanks
Eddie

 

[wcampbell47]

I had one long time ago until it was lifted out of my truck. Absolutely the ladder for all seasons and all conditions. Out performed other ladders especially in uneven conditions. Used mine to install spray nozzles in barns. I encountered many situations where one side of the step ladder needed to be a different length than the other. Mine was heavy and I was tired at the end of a long day of installation.

 

[CurlyDave]

I don't have one, but I used one a few years ago.

A very nice ladder, but more than I wanted to spend.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I got rid of all my other ladders and ONLY have the Little Giant. No need for me to go ona and on about how great it it - just watch the info or see it on the web.

Little Giant Ladder

When one can say "works as advertised" that's a good thing. Heavy enough to get me on the roof etc, and small enough to fold down and fit in your trunk.

I did that thing once where you pull them apart and use a plant between the two halves, man was that great. Worked like a scaffolding.

For me the pull out pins were too new and were a little stiff, rubbing aluminum on aluminum. A shot of grease makes then pop in and out like a dream now.

I've use it on road trips with the motor home. Fits in the compartments great.

Pricey, but in this case you get what you pay for.

 

[MikeD74T]

discussion a while ago... http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/228045-little-giant-extreme-ladder-2.html MikeD74T

 

[deepNdirt]

I don't want to sound like the negative one although i will share my experience with using a folding ladder, I've been in construction for more than 35 years, In all this time I work from scaffold and ladders, and have have extension ladders ranging size from 8 ft. to 40 ft. and all size in between,
I had a homeowner who needed the exterior trim ( brick molding ) replaced around a window, the window was about 9 ft. from ground level,.... Now I had several of my ladders with me that I could have reached this window with, The home owner told me he had his ladder readily available in the garage, and told me would be no need for me to get mine from the truck, when he returned with his ladder it was the folding kind, I told him I don't use these type ladders and I would just go get one from my truck, but he again said Oh! I assure you this ladder is safe and he has used it many times with no problem, OK I said, I'll try it but also asked being he is more familiar how to lock it all in place for him to do so, He set it up and I mad sure it was on good footings, I then started up the ladder and come to the first joint and I heard a click and stopped, he said that was typical noise, I then went up one more rung and the darn thing collapsed under me, luckily I wasn't very high and I land on my feet, needless to say the homeowner was quit embarrassed as I asked him to get that ladder out of there while I went for my trustworthy ladder, never again have I gotten up on one of these type ladders, Folks it only takes but 1 time to critically injure yourself, I was lucky that wasn't my time, However since that incident just a few years ago while up on a actual extension ladder extended to about 20 ft inside a house trimming out a upper window in a foyer the ladder slipped on some MDF dust on the floor and I road the ladder down when suddenly on the way down my left foot fell between a rung and when the ladder became parallel on the floor my foot was entrapped under the ladder rung and my full body weight on top of the ladder, and yup! broke my foot in 3 places, So I guess my point is you can be injured from any ladder, but why increase the chances using one that is not actually a extension ladder?, Sure if you need a STEP ladder that can also configure into different Position or if used on a stare-way this might could be handy, but if you need to reach the eves of your house or need to get up on the roof, simply Buy a good quality 16 ft. extension ladder and keep the folding ladder as a simple step ladder:thumbsup:

 

[chopped]

I have one (HD one) I like it alot. Its as heavy as is needed. But lots of time Im just going up a tree for a small job or the roof and my lightweight aluminum one is the one I grab as its so light and easy to move..
If loading shingles to the roof it would be my choice as its solide enough both for me and the shingles.I used it once as a 'trestle' it was sold ..
I however dont think I would not have any other ladders ..each has a place.

 

[hizoot]

Eddie,I've used one for a year now. I never know what size ladder I will need during the course of running service,so it has been great. The only thing you have to watch out for is when using it as an extension ladder. That swivel in the middle does not lock tight and has a little slack in it. It doesnt effect it in stepladder mode...but when going up onto a roof,etc when you get past the middle of the ladder...say stepping onto the roof,then that "middle swivel" will backlash some and give the old heart a jumpstart. I always tie the ladder off when I use it this way. BTW I paid 169.00 at Sams club for the 5' to 10' step x 17' model extension

 

[MG1867]

FANTASTIC ladder. I have two at work one is 15 years old and other new. We would have to have several ladders/scaffolds to get the same jobs done. At first I heasitated about the price but after the purchase I never missed the money.:thumbsup:

 

[kf4uda]

I have had one for a few years now. It is the 17' model. I think they call it classic now. It is a good heavy built ladder. I have used the ladder in about every configuration. If you plan to get one, I would suggest getting a 6' step ladder as well. This ladder weighs about 50lbs, so when you need a just need a small ladder to quickly move from place to place this ladder is not so good.

As others have stated, when setting up this ladder make sure that each pin is fully locked in its proper place. I always take my time and check this and have never had a problem.

I would probably sum this up and say that this ladder is "a jack of all trades and master of none".

 

[Cpjlube]

I have a Werner ladder that is a near replica of the Little Giant ladder. I bought it when I lived in a condo and needed a compact ladder. Yeah, it's heavy. The best feature is the wide base. Because the legs splay out it feels much more stable. Also the ability to climb up both sides, while its folded is a plus. I bought the Werner at Lowes for less than the Little Giant and it had all the features I needed.
Overall I'm very satisfied with this ladder. If I still lived in a small place and could just have one ladder, it's the one I would own.

Chuck

 

[EddieWalker]

I just went on their website and the 17 foot model that I saw on the infomercial is $360

Seems kind of steep for something that I dont need, but kind of want.

Thanks for the link Mike, I should have done a quick search before starting this thread.

Eddie

 

[Bird]

Instead of the Little Giant, I have a Gorilla ladder that I bought 8 or 9 years ago at Home Depot. Mine is just the little 11' model. It sure is heavy, but it's also strong; maybe the safest ladder I ever used.

But last Spring when we had all the hail damage in the area, it seemed all the insuracne adjusters and roofing company estimators were using the Xtend aluminum telescoping ladders . They could even carry those around in a car without needing a truck. I do believe if I were using one a lot, I'd have to consider those. I noticed recently that my local Sherwin-Williams paint store sells them, also.

 

[jinman]

But last Spring when we had all the hail damage in the area, it seemed all the insuracne adjusters and roofing company estimators were using the Xtend aluminum telescoping ladders . They could even carry those around in a car without needing a truck. I do believe if I were using one a lot, I'd have to consider those. I noticed recently that my local Sherwin-Williams paint store sells them, also.

Wow! It's hard to figure out if you are paying for what it is or what it is not. Maybe it's a little of both. Very nice!:thumbsup:

 

[Mousefield]

I have one that is similar called Jaws. Getting kind of heavy to lug around but sure is a good strong ladder, like the wide base of it and being able to do multiple angles with it.

 

[heehaw]

i have several of the clones from Lowes: they work for me: an no where near the cost of the little giant ladder....i bought mine when lowes put them on sale..
heehaw

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a thirty year old Little Giant and a couple of Costco clones of more recent vintage. The concept is great and it is a very versatile ladder. It is heavy for a step ladder when used in that manner but very convenient as a longer ladder or a angled step ladder so there is a trade off. Having owned both, I would not pay a premium for the Little Giant over the Costco clone. Definitely nice to have though.

 

[IslandTractor]

But last Spring when we had all the hail damage in the area, it seemed all the insuracne adjusters and roofing company estimators were using the Xtend aluminum telescoping ladders . They could even carry those around in a car without needing a truck. I do believe if I were using one a lot, I'd have to consider those. I noticed recently that my local Sherwin-Williams paint store sells them, also.

I have one of those too. It is indeed very compact when collapsed. Not nearly as stable as a regular 12-14ft ladder but adequate for getting one man up to that level. I would not want to work off one however. They are also a bit tricky to collapse as the thing telescopes on itself in an almost uncontrolled fashion once to pull the rip cord. You have to make real sure your fingers are not between any of the steps!

 

[edjones72]

I just purchased the Xtreme and it is as advertised. I bought it from their online "outlet". The items change regularly on the site and I was about to order a new Xtreme because they did not have any on the outlet site. They finally listed several of the 17 and 22 models for sale Friday before last and they were all gone by the following Monday. I paid $239 with shipping included for an Xtreme 22 with everything but the "tank" paint bucket. These are "demo" ladders I believe they have sent to shows. They still come with the lifetime warranty and mine looked brand new. Just Google Little Giant Outlet and you will find the site. You can even "sign-up" for a ladder they do not have listed and you will get an e-mail if one becomes available. There are a few other sites that sell these demo ladders at very reasonable prices.

 

[radioman]

I bought one of those clones from BJ's and I love it. Only downside is the wieght. It is so much heavier then a standard size lightweight stepladder. I use mine as a secure ladder on stairs for adding plank to for painting stairs, a taller step ladder, and as extension ladder to get onto the roof on rental property. It fits in trunk of my car when I dont have my blazer/trailer and need a ladder.

I dont think its a replacement ladder, but I look at it as another proper and useful tool to have.