Stability systems

Ladder stability platform

The Ladder Max stability platform is a plastic platform that clamps on to a rung near the top of the ladder: its two splayed-out “hands” rest against the wall and provide wider contact points than the ladder’s stiles. As well as improving stability, the platform doubles as a tray that can hold up to 10kg of equipment – which means you don’t have to be constantly up and down retrieving items.

Ladder Max

• Price: $20
• Good points: Felt stable. Gripped the wall well.
• But: Only suitable for narrower ladders (it fitted our 398mm- but not our 437mm-wide ladder). Difficult to see from the ground whether the platform is level. Its “hands” marked the wall. Sideways reach from the ladder is limited, because of the distance the ladder stands out from the wall. Plastic construction could suffer UV damage: platform needs to be stored inside.
• Our assessment: Good.
   

Ladder stabiliser legs

These are adjustable legs attached at an angle to the stiles of the ladder. They’re intended for some Gorilla ladders (which come with pre-drilled attachment holes).

The stabiliser legs are telescopic, with a spring-loaded catch and holes at 50mm intervals that allow about 200mm of total adjustment. Final adjustment is by screw-adjustable feet.

Gorilla Stabiliser Twin Pack AS-300

• Price: $80
• Good points: Provided a significant improvement in ladder stability. Velcro tabs kept legs held against ladder side when retracted.
• But: On uneven or sloping ground the “higher” leg couldn’t be retracted far enough. And when the ladder was moved, both retracted legs slid out to first stop – extending beyond the bottom of the ladder.
• Our assessment: Good.