I've been doing a lot of gardening and hedge trimming lately but haven't tried using tripod step ladders. I really dislike how long it takes to find a flat spot for regular ladders. I wanted to ask those with experience: do you recommend using three-legged ladders? Are there any downsides? I feel like leaning too far diagonally might be a concern, but maybe it can be resolved by repositioning the ladder more frequently. Also, I've noticed that some tripod ladders have adjustable front legs. Is that feature essential? Thanks for your insights!
1 Answer
I've been using Japanese-style tripod ladders for over 20 years, and honestly, I can’t imagine working with anything else. They're super stable and easy to maneuver. In contrast, typical four-legged ladders make me feel uneasy because they can be flimsy. I sometimes use a wheel chock for tricky angles, but you should always prioritize safety. Don't worry, it's worked for me!

That's perfect, just the kind of answer I needed! When you say "Japanese style," what do you mean by that? Are all three-legged ladders essentially Japanese ones? Also, how do you use the wheel chock—do the legs fit in them?