The 30 Day Trial: Part I

 The 30 Day Trial: Part I

*Disclaimer: This contractor was not compensated.

Michael Conley, owner of Aura Construction LLC, recently agreed to sit down with us and talk about ladders – something every construction worker needs. Conley knows first-hand that not all ladders are the same, which is why we asked him to test out two of our Xtend + Climb ladders (780p and 785p) for 30 days. He’ll use this time to compare the new ladders to his current ladders.

Conley’s business provides general carpentry, remodeling, painting, and decks – all projects for which a ladder is useful, if not essential. His current ladders are doing the trick, but we thought an Xtend + Climb ladder would be the more efficient choice. Before letting Conley unpack his new Xtend + Climb, we asked him a couple questions about his current ladders, and his reason for purchasing them.

Different Types and Features

Many types of ladders can be used in construction. From extension and telescoping ladders to stepladders, every construction worker has a type they prefer. Conley told us he typically uses extension and stepladders in construction, and looks for durability and mobility when looking to purchase a new ladder.

“With the folding stepladder, I’m all about mobility and having it be light yet still strong enough to hold 300 pounds,” said Conley. “Lightweight, mobility, and price. That’s all I can say.”

Transporting and Storing

Conley knows that not many extension ladders are easy to transport and store. He described the level of difficulty of transporting his current ladders, stating that it can be either easy or difficult, depending on the ladder.

“I have a 24-foot extension ladder that somehow needs to go on top of my truck and drive down the freeway with it,” said Conley. “And I also have a Little Giant ladder that can be used as a 4-foot, 6-foot, 8-foot stepladder, or a 12-foot extension-style lean-up ladder, but it’s heavier than these Xtend + Climb ladders.”

When asked about the level of difficulty of storing his ladders, Conley stated that they’re average, but not easy.

“The 24-foot-ladder actually extends out to 36 feet, so it’s 24-feet-long, collapsed – that’s difficult to store,” said Conley. “The Little Giant is bigger, even though it’s more versatile than the standard ladders that I’m using now, it’s still big and bulky.”

His Current Ladder vs. The “Perfect” Ladder

Even though Conley has owned his current ladder for seven years, it hasn’t been without problems. When asked about the troubles he’s had with his current ladder, Conley responded that there are certain situations in which he cannot use it, and has to turn to different ladders.

“It’s not the easiest thing to set up and take down, but other than that, you find a way,” said Conley. “It would be nice to have a different ladder for different situations.”

However, when questioned about the “perfect” ladder, Conley said he would include a height adjustment feature on its feet, keeping him level on the most unleveled grounds.

“It’d be nice to have a 7- or 8-inch height adjustment per foot, whether it’s on an extendable ladder or one of the Xtend + Climbs that leans up against the wall,” said Conley. “There’s so many times in construction where you need to be able to set up a level ladder without having to do landscaping to get a level spot for the ladder. A simple 6-inch to 8-inch adjustment would be very helpful.”

30-Day Experiment

After 30 days of using Xtend + Climb, we will interview Conley again – this time inquiring about his experience with the ladder. His projects over the course of the month will include siding, framing, and painting houses, and the experiment will prove to be very insightful – both for Conley and the Xtend + Climb brand. Stay tuned for part II.

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