As thousands of years ago, ladders are the most commonly used equipment both at the large and small jobsites. This article is about extra tall A-frame step ladders in general and Little Giant Skyscraper ladder series in particular in the form of observation authors made over the years



of sales and service of these products.

Brands and availability. There are only a few manufacturers in US making step ladders over 16 ft. tall, namely Green Bull, Louisville, Werner, and Wing Enterprises with the tallest ever 21 ft. tall Little Giant Skyscraper ladder. These ladders are generally not available at the home

improvement warehouses and you would have better luck contacting authorized distributors for the abovementioned companies.

Price factor. Several factors contribute to the relatively high prices of tall step ladders. Special material requirements, assembling difficulties, freight expenses, and also increased risk of serious injuries and consequently manufacturer's liability cost adds up in such a progression that typical 16 ft. ladder cost close to three 8 ft. counterparts! Very common is the erroneous belief that those fine Little Giant Ladders advertised on TV must cost more than conventional ladders. Wrong! The

prices on Skyscraper series Wing ladders are very competitive and with free shipping offer are almost unbeatable!

Weak spots. Bottom of the ladder, top of the ladder and the spreaders are the three parts that receive the most of abuse. C-channel rail below first step is a subject to significant twist forces; safety shoes that provide the necessary traction loose the rubber pad very fast; lateral forces created by incorrect set up or walking the ladder are deadly for the top of the ladder, spreaders and the side rails. From this point of view Little Giant ladders are hard to compete with. Side rail features unique design and aircraft quality alloy; instead of metal shoes with rubber pad attached solid rubber boots are utilized; patented hinge is designed to be the strongest part of the ladder and plays the role of the spreaders. The only part we would ask Little Giant engineers to improve is nylon web straps used as additional safety measure preventing ladder form opening straight. They deteriorate way too fast under the California sun.

Convenience, storage, and transportation. When it comes to convenience both traditional and telescoping ladder design receive approximately the same amount of votes. Adepts of conventional ladders are attracted by the simplicity of time proven design, readiness to use, and overall wider spread of these ladders. Adherents of the telescoping design refer to the ladder versatility meaning height adjustability, capability to work on stairs and transform to 90- degree positions. However everyone agrees that Little Giant telescoping ladders are superior for storage and transportation.