North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Richard Moyer <ramoyer@gmail.com>]

Geoffrey,
Several years ago, I purchased a 12' aluminum tripod ladder from Dalton Equipment CO Sugar Loaf Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792. (828) 685-7747.  Have been happy with it.

12' was the tallest size they carried then.  They also carry wooden ones.  I would suggest visiting them to see and discuss their inventory. 

While tripod ladders are safer than 4 legged ones on uneven ground, they still can be unwieldy to move, especially when the pole gets hung up on branches or vines.  I've been on ladders for decades (and trees, roofs and cliffs).  My only injury (9 head stitches) occurred while moving my orchard ladder and the pole got hung on the kiwi vines.  There are times when it's a two person job to get the pole in and out of a columnar tree, such as pears.

A second, shorter tripod would be much easier to handle for all those lower jobs.  Even a 6 ft fall can be crippling.  Have a coworker with permanent disability after a 6 ft fall onto concrete.

Richard Moyer
Castlewood, VA
Nanking Cherries are blooming.


Message: 3
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:28:01 -0400
From: "Geoffrey Stone" <gfstone@bellsouth.net>
Subject: [NAFEX] Seeking Advise - Orchard Ladders
To: <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
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Hi,
   I'm a newbie. I am involved in planting a mixed fruit/nut orchard, have access to an old orchard, and am attempting to care/prune existing neglected trees. I am ready to invest in a good orchard ladder. What should I look for? What to avoid? Brands? Sources in my area (WNC)? What is the going price per foot? What height (if only one ladder)? What 2nd choice if I feel the need for a second?
Thanks,
Geoffrey Stone
Black Mountain, NC
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