Re: Robin Hartl -(now little Giant)

[Glenna Rose]

>Well, if we are going to talk about the LG ladder I would appreciate >any comments from LG ladder owners who have had the opportunity (and >taken the time) to look at the Gorilla ladder sold by Home Depot. It >seems quite good and is much less expensive, but if the LG is a lot >better then I will have to think twice about purchasing a Gorilla >ladder.

I would also be interested. It was my intention to buy the LG when I was able, but a friend of my son brought his Gorilla to pick some fruit last summer. He said he really likes the Gorilla. It, of course, is not nearly as much cash gone bye-bye as the LG.

When purchasing something like this (once in a lifetime, hopefully), I want to go for quality even if the price is higher. However, if the quality is there for a more reasonable price, it's a re-think.

Are they both made in the U.S.?

Glenna

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Little Giant is

may not be as they tout facilities in China. Warehouse in MN.

[James "Cubby" Culbertson]

[Paul C. Proffitt]

[Rick Schmalzried]

I purchased the LG 21" ladder a number of years ago and have absolutely NO regrets. This was before any of the knock-offs existed. I can say that it is very stable even when fully extended and carrying a full bundle of shingles (Probably pushing 350lbs load).

I feel that LG will be around for quite a while as they produce a quality product. If I ever have problems, I will be able to obtain service. I question that this will be the case w/ the Gorilla. Next year when they decide to get it made somewhere else, who knows...

The basic operation of the two seem to be similar but I don't know the load ratings on the Gorilla.

--Rick

[ranck]

These "Little Giant" ladders are 4 section folding types made out of aluminum, yes? I ask because I have a similar sort of ladder about 20 years old, or more, made out of steel. I remember the advertisements at the time showing two in the "scaffold" position with truck sitting on them. I forget the actual name, I would have to go look in my garage and even then it may not be on the ladder. Anyway, I just found the idea of LG knock-offs kind of funny since I have been viewing the LG as a knock-off of the ones like I own.

Mine has been working for a long time, and I'm pretty neglectful of thing like this. I can't imagine what one could do to hurt it without serious effort. Mine isn't a Gorilla or LG as far as I know though.

Bill Ranck Blacksburg, Va.

[NJTrout]

Glenna,

I have the Little Giant no-longer-in-production, Type II-23 . At the time I was shopping for a 12 foot A-frame and an extension ladder. At The Woodworking Show I watch the Little Giant demo and was immediately sold on it. Ordered and took delivery a few weeks later. This was in

1999.

Probably the only ladder I will ever need or own. Does everything as advertised, WELL!.

I have one work platform and the wall standoff. Probably going to order the leg leveler soon.

The ladder is very well constructed, solid and sturdy. The only issue is the weight. I can handle it easily, but my 5'0" wife has trouble carrying it up stairs.

I have looked at the knock-offs and there is no comparison. The Little Giant has superior construction. The company is located in Utah and I believe manufactures there as well.

Only one choice ladder for me -- Little Giant.

PS. At one time they also sold aluminum snow shoes....wonder what happend to those?

Andy NW NJ

[leonard]

hi

I weigh 365 pounds and use the LG for all my ladder needs its very stable even at 17ft up. it's well built a has been around for quite awhile(I can remember them be>>

[Glenna Rose]

Thank you, Andy, and all others who responded with comments about the two ladders. Can't speak for others here, but I'm athinkin' my mind's decided. I've been thinking strongly about it since seeing it demonstrated at a home show four or five years ago. I have a 20-ft extension ladder that can be sold to help pay for it; wish I'd know about the LG when I bought that one which was replacing one that was stolen which replaced one that was damaged by a friend who borrowed it. Had as much into those three ladders as a LG would have cost then!

The orchard ladder bought last summer will stay as that is a unique application type thing. In fact, it was the orchard ladder we used to repair the rain gutter since we couldn't lean the extension ladder against what we were securing. That drove home even more the need for the type of thing the LG does. The women in my family are long-lived and generally healthy up until the last few years, so I probably have at least 30 more years so want the ladder to last as long.

Thanks again.

Glenna

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njtrout [e-mail] writes:

[John Flatley]

If my memory is correct, my Little Giant is already over thirty years old. Love it. It supports my 300 pounds without a whimper. One of these days I need to take the update kit I've had for a 'more than a couple of years' and replace the old bar style hinge release with the round knob style now in production.

My neighbors love the Little Giant as much as I do.

Jack

-- Learn from the mistakes of others. Trust me, you can't live long enough to make them all yourself. I've tried!!

[Rick Schmalzried]

No these are not the same sort of mechanisms at all. These have one pivot in the middle of the span and then "extension legs" on each end arranged so that the length can basically double from shortest to longest. I hvae used the ones like you mention (I call them Z fold ladders) and can say there is NO comparison as to functionality.

Amazon now sells the Little Giant ladders and has some decent photos of the various configurations. Take a look or google for it yourself.

--Rick

[DL]

Any experiences with the version CostCo has for $99?

That was tempting me today. Definitely a heavy gadget.

- -

DL

"Hopefully with the demon-spawn Whitsitt out of the picture our scouts and coaches will be able to do their jobs."

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Halter Sucks!