We assessed two extension ladders that came with sliding adjustable feet. These feet were connected to the base of the ladder’s stiles and a cable system adjusted the height of the feet to compensate for uneven ground.
A self-levelling ladder can be positioned almost anywhere – provided it’s placed at the correct angle and the rungs are level. For working on uneven or sloping ground, it’s safer than a conventional extension ladder.
Bailey Galaxy 10 Leveller
- Price: $510
- Good points: Ladder extendable from 3.2m to 5.0m. Maximum load 120kg. Maximum leg-extension difference (one leg longer than the other) 210mm. Levelling instructions at eye level (easy to see when ladder in use). Instructions and diagrams clear. Levelling system worked well.
- But: Retracting the ladder was a little awkward: the rope system was on the right stile and so both hands were to the right of the ladder (the left side was unsupported).
- Our assessment: Good.
Alco ALL22
- Price: $894
- Good points: Ladder extendable from 4.0m to 6.7m. Maximum load 150kg. Maximum leg-extension difference (one leg longer than the other) 248mm. Longer, wider and more heavily constructed than the Bailey. Swivelling corrugated rubber feet adjust to ground contour and can be swivelled 90 degrees to dig into soft ground. Levelling system worked well.
- But: More difficult to handle and move about than the Bailey. Levelling instructions close to ground level (difficult to see when ladder is in use).
- Our assessment: Good.
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