Which platform ladder should I buy?

Good morning, I'm in need of some ladder advice.
I need a ladder for home use and have narrowed it down to 3 options (unless someone changes my mind on here) and they are

Bailey 1.2m 4 Step Aluminium Platform Ladder FS13712 ($139)
Bailey 120kg 4 Step Twin Platform Step Stool ($99)
Bailey 1.2m 150kg Aluminium Platform Ladder FS13581($400)

I'm hoping someone has experience of all 3 and can advise me. I weigh less than half of $120 kg so weight is not the issue.
Stability and safety are priorities and I need a 3.1-metre reach.
The twin platform step stool looks really practical but I'm wondering if there's something I'm missing?
TIA

Paulene

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Paulene

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your question about which platform ladder should you purchase.

The Bailey 1.2m 4 Step Aluminium Platform Ladder is an excellent platform ladder. It features a handrail that is positioned at 900mm past the platform. This makes it quite safe when reaching for a package above your head as you still have a point of contact at waist height. It has a weight capacity of 120kg. Even if the person was around 80kg, this will still allow you to bring down a package weighing 30kg. The Bailey 120kg 4 Step Twin Platform Step Stool is ideal for multi-level shelves, however, its handrail is only at 540mm and although you can step on the top platform there are no other points of contact once you're on top of the platform. The Bailey 1.2m 150kg Aluminium Platform Ladder has a higher load rating and larger platform standing area. Its handrail is at the same height as the FS13712.

If you're looking for a more robust ladder, I recommend the Gorilla 4-5-6 Step Compact Adjustable Platform. This is an industrial rated platform ladder with an adjustable platform height. It has an extra-wide stance with its built-in side legs. This gives you extra support to prevent accidental side tipping. Its handrail is also at 900mm and has the same weight rating as the FS13581.

The first three ladders are rated for domestic use, only the Gorilla is industrial rated. If the ladder is to be used in a rough environment and is constantly moved, I recommend the Gorilla Platform ladder for strength and long term use.

If you need more advice or information, please let us know.

Eric

brendawebster44

Hi Pauline, I bought the Baileys stepladder with the four steps two platforms that Eric suggested and painted the whole house with it. I have never felt safer. My neighbours wouldn’t let me borrow theirs said I would break my neck. My seventy year old friend helped with the architraves and is still with us. I have a small two step stool for the kitchen and hate it. Nothing to hold on to. The good thing about the Bailey is it is easy to carry ie. lightweight and you have some thing to hang on to. Anyway Pauline good luck with your endeavours, b🌺

Paulene

Thanks Eric.

I go over the information you've so kindly supplied.

I only need to ladder for domestic use but stability and safety are paramount.

I don't want to over buy but neither to I want something flimsy.

Food for thought.

Kind regards

Paulene

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/17103#Comment_17103

The Bailey 4 step (120 kg) does look good for only $99 and gets excellent reviews on the Bunnings website, but I noticed one reviewer said this...

"It is not as sturdy as I was expecting but it does the job."

Looking closer - are they rivets or the ends of rods?

Paulene

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/17087#Comment_17087

Hi Brenda
Thanks for taking the time to reply and telling me about your experience.
I'm a little confused by Eric's statement "The Bailey 120kg 4 Step Twin Platform Step Stool is ideal for multi-level shelves, however, its handrail is only at 540mm and although you can step on the top platform there are no other points of contact once you're on top of the platform." as the specs information says it's great for reaching 3.1 metres.
What was the highest you were able to comfortably and safely reach?
Kind regards

Paulene

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/17076#Comment_17076

Hi again Eric
I'm a little confused by your statement "The Bailey 120kg 4 Step Twin Platform Step Stool is ideal for multi-level shelves, however, its handrail is only at 540mm and although you can step on the top platform there are no other points of contact once you're on top of the platform." as the specs information says it's great for reaching 3.1 metres.
Can you explain a little more, please?
I went onto the Leopold store on Friday to try to see the difference but despite the website saying the items were in stock they were not, which was very frustrating.
KInd regards

Paulene

brendawebster44

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/71178#Comment_71178

Hi my comrade in arms. I have just nearly finished my painting and can honestly say the ladders I used where bomb proof and I always felt safe. I have high ceilings and had to reach a fair bit which I know you’re not supposed to but oh well still felt safe.Well they say a picture is worth a thousand words so here goes,

Brad

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/71153#Comment_71153

"Looking closer - are they rivets or the ends of rods?"

Left side is a rivit and the right looks to be a pin into the platform.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/98813#Comment_98813

Hello @Paulene

I'm sorry that you didn't find what you were looking for at the store. It's great that @brendawebster44 has gone above and beyond by posting pictures of her Bailey ladder. If you look closely when you climb the final step to reach 3.1 meters the blacktop handhold will be at your knee. Normally that would be the safety contact point. But in this instance, you will have to hold on to the wall to come down carefully. I hope that clears that up.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/116180#Comment_116180

It's amazing how this forum influences behaviour.

I was in Bunnings yesterday and remembered this thread - so I went to have a look at the $99 Bailey ladder - and test drove it.

Brad's comment above is correct.

Struck me as a very good buy for the price - and Brenda's photos are a clincher.

Paulene

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/98813#Comment_98813

Hi Brenda
Thank you so much for taking the time to post these photos, much appreciated.
I think I'll go for the taller ladder so I will still have a rail I can hold onto when working at height.
Kind regards and best wishes for a merry Christmas in your newly painted house.
Paulene

brendawebster44

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/116186#Comment_116186

Hi Pauline, glad to help. I am curious however as to why you would need taller ladders. I painted 2.5metre high ceilings with mine no worries. I did not ever stand on the top platform I used that for the paint and my smelling salts. I love my ladders because I can carry them around wherever they are so light. I have visions of you ducking and weaving through your house smashing priceless artefacts.Oh well good luck with your endeavours, all the best b🌺

brendawebster44

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126105#Comment_126105

Hi Noyade,happy to be of assistance and good luck with your tasks. I keep my ladders in the laundry now as they are so light to carry and I always feel safe on them. I do not like the ones that are supposed to be for the kitchen cupboards I just don’t feel safe on them at all.Up the GIRLS! b🌺

brendawebster44

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/116180#Comment_116180

Hi Eric, you put your point across much more eloquently than myself. I didn’t know how to explain that when you push your knees into the top step of the ladder it’ feels remarkably safe. Brenda🌺

Paulene

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126106#Comment_126106

Hi again Brenda

You make a good point about the difficulty of manoeuvring the longer ladder through the house, however my house has some high places to reach, 3.1 metres - photos attached so I think I'll have to go for the longer version. Additionally there's a lot of work to be done on the outside of the house to restore it to its former glory.

Ideally I probably would like both.🙂

Kind regards and thanks,

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132724#Comment_132724

Hello @Paulene

It looks like a wonderful project to be undertaking. I can only imagine what it will look like once you've repainted the area. Are you using a varnish or will you be painting it a different colour? It sounds like you've got several projects lined up. Any updates you can provide while re-painting your house would be truly appreciated. I'm sure our members would be keen to see what the place will look like once it's repainted.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Paulene

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136797#Comment_136797

Hi Eric

The walls are mud-brick so no painting but lots of 'mudding up'.
The wood, mostly recycled oregon and baltic pine, will have danish oil or tung oil applied - I need to do more research about that.
Previously I have used Danish oil but I want to investigate if tung oil might have some advantages.
Lots to do and you'll probably see me back on here asking more questions.
Kind regards
Paulene

brendawebster44

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132724#Comment_132724

Hiya Pauline, looks like you have it under control. The height of your ceilings is enough already. I am beginning to think you need a cherry picker(there’s a joke in there somewhere).not just smelling salts.You would have to have a net secured underneath me at all times and a harness for me. Only joking it will be good for doing the gutters especially when they charge like a wounded bull . Happy Christmas brenda and Charlie

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