How does a 3-section aluminum ladder fold out?

Three-section ladders are universal. They are more functional compared to other ladders.

Three-section ladders - advantages

• allow you to rise higher due to the third section;
• can be used both with support on the wall and without support on a vertical surface;
• the third section can be used as a separate laddercase;
• two ladders allow the team to get the job done faster.

Working positions

The three-section ladder unfolds in several working positions:

• Retractable ladder,
• Double-sided stepladder,
• alpha stepladder,
• third section as a free-standing ladder + 2-sided stepladder,
• sections folded together for storage and transport.

How does a 3-section ladder unfold in the α-stepladder position?

• Lift the third section up by pressing the latch hooks;
• Install the third section at the desired height;
• Move the first and second sections apart to the distance of the tightening straps;
• Place the ladder on a level surface.

For a three-section ladder, all sections differ in width - the third section is the narrowest.

How to extend a three-section ladder?

• Click on the latch hooks;
• Raise the third section to the desired height;
• Install the hooks of the third section on the crossbar of the second section of a suitable height;
• Do the same with the height of the second section;
• Lean the ladder against a vertical surface: against a wall, against a pole, against a tree, against the roof of a building;
• Make sure that both legs of the ladder touch the ground and are stable.

2-sided stepladder position

The 3-section ladder can be used in a double-sided stepladder position. 

Advantages:

• the ability to climb from any side, there is no need to rearrange the ladders with the steps towards you, as is the case with a one-sided stepladder;
• no support against the wall is required, as when using an extension ladder;
• By disconnecting the third section, 2 workers can work: one on a 2-sided stepladder, the second on a ladder.

In this position, the 3rd section can not be disconnected and can be climbed using a double-sided stepladder or can be detached for the work of a second person.

How does a 3-section ladder fold?

• Raise the third section so that the hooks do not catch on the crossbar of the other section.
• Lower the section down.
• Hook the hooks in the lower position onto the crossbar of the other section.
• Do the same with the second section.

Latch hooks hold all three sections together, making it easy to carry, transport and store the ladder.

You may not have known that many professions require a three-section ladder to work. We suggest reading our article “Three-section ladders: purpose and use.”