Tripod Ladders

Tripod ladders are designed specifically for safety when working at height on uneven, soft and sloping terrain. Tripod ladders were originally designed for use in orchards, helping workers to navigate around the tree branches easily – as such they’re specially designed for professional garden and orchard tasks and are much safer than standard ladders. They offer some specific benefits:

• Tripod ladders have three legs instead of four, which allows for a wider splayed base and ensures stability on uneven surfaces.
• Tripod ladders enhance safety for extended work at height by offering a wide platform step and high guard rail for extra safety.
• Adjustable spring-loaded legs of tripod ladders allow them to adapt to different terrains with ease.
• Our tripod ladders provide a sturdy platform supporting up to 150kg.
• Our BPS Tripod Ladders are independently tested to ensure they meet the British Standards Institution – EN131 standards

What is a platform tripod ladder?

When it comes to large scale gardening jobs like hedge cutting, hedge trimming, tree pruning, and fruit picking, a traditional A-frame ladder, such as combination ladders, isn’t the best option. Tripod ladders are specifically designed for garden work like this and offer a much safer alternative to a standard ladder, especially when working on soft ground.

As the name suggests a tripod ladder has three legs instead of four. It’s designed this way to allow the ladder to create a wider splayed base with the adjustable legs and ensures all feet remain in firm contact with the ground, even when you’re working on uneven surfaces like slopes, ditches, or steps. Having this extra level of stability is important as a lot of gardens aren’t completely flat – and the thicker aluminium of the frame makes them perfect for uneven ground.

What are the benefits of tripod ladders?

As with many of the ladders we sell, our range of tripod ladders are constructed from industrial grade aluminium. This means they are incredibly strong and stable when being used as well as lightweight to carry and move around when you want to get into a suitable position and store when finished.

Garden trip ladders are ideal for typical DIY jobs such as trimming trees or reaching gutters. The built-in platform gives you a comfortable standing point, and by checking your required platform height will ensure you choose the right model for the task. This is particularly useful for tripod ladders because anyone of any age will be able to use it with ease without risk of an injury.

Also, our adjustable tripod ladder can be used with a non-slip rubber foot to replace the ground spike, meaning it’s suitable for most gardens with uneven terrain as well as hard ground and grass. These accessories include rubber feet for paved areas, while clawed feet are better on soft surfaces where extra grip is needed.

The unique design of the rear leg allows you to set the ladder up right next to where you are working, and a tripod ladder can be positioned closer to work than a four-legged ladder. It’s designed this way to provide a stable platform, and high-end models let you adjust all three legs individually for better support on slopes, ditches, or steps. A wide base and well combined design help the ladder feel secure in use and give extra support on uneven ground.

Tripod ladder use do’s and don’ts

Do’s

• Always use a tripod ladder with the leg chain fully extended so the front and back legs are at the correct distance and the legs are at equal angles of 75 degrees. This will help you maximise stability so you can climb the ladder safely.
• The chain should be fixed before use and only be fixed on the last link.
• Work with both feet on the ladder to reduce the risk of losing your balance and having a fall.
• Always walk down the ladder facing the ladder and holding onto the side rail securely. Tripod ladders should be used in the same way as you would any other type of ladder.
• Check for any overhead hazards or wires before use, this is particularly relevant and important for garden work where there could be dangerous hazards around.
• Make sure there is no one underneath the ladder whilst you are working.
• Always take care not to bend or dent the ladder during transportation or storage as it could affect the quality of the ladder in stability and security when in use.
• Inspect your ladder carefully before each time you use it. Even though aluminium is incredibly strong, heavy scratching or dents could lead to failure.

Don’ts

• Do not exceed the weight limit instructed on the tripod ladder, and always adjust it correctly before climbing so the setup stays stable on each site, as you increase the risk of damage to the ladder and an injury for yourself.
• Never allow more than one person on the ladder at a time as it is extremely dangerous.
• Don’t shorten the back leg to get closer to your work, the ladder rungs must always stay level for safety and balance.
• Never put bricks or blocks under the ladder for any reason, avoid soft surfaces that cannot maintain complete stability, and never rely on poor footing where there is not enough grip.
• Don’t lean outside of the stiles, you should reposition your ladder, so you are in the correct working position.
• On ladders up to and including 1.8m you should never stand higher than 3 steps from the top. With ladders over 1.8m you shouldn’t stand higher than 4 steps from the top as you lose control over your balance and could have a serious accident.
• Do not use damaged goods, if you spot an issue with the ladder wait until it can be repaired or replaced before carrying out your work.
• Don’t attempt to modify the tripod ladder yourself, and only use the correct accessories or replacement kit supplied for that brand.

Why should you choose a tripod ladder with three legs over a normal four legged ladder?

When considering whether to get a tripod ladder or a normal A-frame ladder you need to consider what makes a tripod ladder the right choice for you and why you potentially should choose a tripod ladder instead of a standard ladder. To decide whether you should be buying a tripod ladder or a different type of ladder you need to think about what your main needs are for your ladder.

If you are someone who often uses a ladder for garden work and have been using an A-frame ladder previously, you will definitely feel the benefit of investing in a tripod ladder. In most gardens, ground conditions are not perfectly level, so a tripod design gives better support on uneven terrain. A wide base helps create a more stable platform, and these platform tops provide secure standing zones for extended tasks, helping you feel safe while working for longer periods.

This is especially useful for trimming trees, reaching hedges, or clearing gutters, as well as other DIY jobs around the garden. The safety features on tripod ladders are specifically there for extensive garden use, with lightweight strength often combined in aluminium designs for better handling and durability.

Choose BPS Depot for your Adjustable Tripod Ladders – Perfect for uneven ground, fruit picking, garden DIYs and more!

Get an unbeatable price on our quality tripod ladders today. With free next day delivery to the UK mainland, high quality British products you know you can trust, and a tripod ladder designed to meet your exact needs, why wouldn’t you choose BPS Depot today?