What Is a Tripod Ladder​? Your Complete Guide

February 19, 2025 | Nate Cord

Tripod ladders are a game-changer for gardeners, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts who rely on working at heights to get the job done. But what exactly sets them apart from traditional ladders and how do you choose the right one for your needs? In this blog, we provide you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

In short, a tripod ladder, also sometimes called a garden tripod ladder or orchard ladder, is a type of ladder designed with, you guessed it, three legs instead of the traditional four. It has two front legs (as a regular ladder does) and a single, adjustable back leg that creates the well-known tripod shape.

This tripod construction allows the ladder to create a wider spread out base and ensure all feet remain in firm contact with the floor, even when working on bumpy ground like steps, slopes or ditches.

It’s unlikely that you’ll find an outdoor area like a garden or landscaped space to be completely flat, so having this extra level of stability is absolutely ideal if you’re looking to carry out outdoor work at height safely and effectively.

This brings us nicely onto…

What Are Tripod Ladders Used For?

Depending on which model of tripod ladder you choose, you can have one or three adjustable legs, meaning the ladder can be adapted to suit almost any gardening task where height is a factor. For example, if you need to move your ladder further into hard to access areas such as bushes or hedges, an adjustable tripod ladder means you won’t have to overreach.

Some of the most common situations for tripod ladder use are:

• Landscape and Garden jobs – Tripod ladders are most commonly used for larger scale landscape and gardening jobs, such as hedge trimming, tree pruning or plant maintenance work, where a traditional step ladder wouldn’t suffice. The adjustable rear leg allows you to position the ladder close to tree trunks and branches without losing balance.
• Fruit Picking – Tripod ladders are also used for fruit picking, and fun fact, they were originally designed for orchards! This is because their unique structure makes them perfect for safely navigating around tree branches and uneven orchard floors.
• Home Maintenance Jobs – You can also use a tripod ladder for jobs like gutter cleaning and painting, where some traditional ladders might tip.
• Construction Tasks – Uneven ground doesn’t limit itself to around the home/garden. Construction sites often have rough ground, which is why many sites often opt for tripod ladders as a safer choice than their standard counterparts.

Tripod ladders are primarily used in situations where stability on uneven or soft ground is crucial.

What Height Tripod Ladder Do I Need?

Choosing the right height for a tripod ladder is an important step and it all depends on the type of work you’re doing, the reach you need, and your own height.

When determining the right height for a tripod ladder, the most important factor to consider is your working height. Your working height is the highest point you need to reach comfortably while performing tasks on the ladder, whether it be pruning trees, trimming hedges, painting walls, or cleaning gutters.

To calculate this, you want to start by considering the height of the object or area you’ll be working on, then factor in your own height and extended arm reach.

Most people can, on average, reach an additional 4 to 6 feet above the step they are standing on, depending on their arm length and body posture. For example, if you’re about 6 feet tall, you can typically reach up to 8 to 10 feet without stretching dangerously. This means you don’t need a ladder as tall as the object itself – you just need one that allows you to stand comfortably at a safe height while reaching your working area at ease, without overstretching.

Are Tripod Ladders Safe​?

Yes, tripod ladders are safe, and they’re actually safer than traditional 4-legged ladders for certain tasks like gardening, because they’re much more stable and less likely to wobble or tip when on uneven ground.

Most tripod ladder models also come with rubber or spiked feet to prevent slipping, depending on the surface (grass, soil, or hard floors).

That said, as with any tool or large piece of equipment, their overall safety will depend on maintenance and correct use.

Safety Tips To Keep in Mind When Using a Tripod Ladder:

• Before mounting on the ladder, make sure all legs are firmly planted.
• Always keep your body centered between the ladder rails as overreaching can shift your balance and cause the ladder to tip over.
• Avoid standing on the top two steps unless the ladder is designed with a platform for standing.
• Always spend a bit of time inspecting the ladder before you get on it. Check for things like worn feet, loose bolts or general damage.

Most tripod ladders can be used indoors, as they come with rubber feet to prevent floor scratching.

The 4 Best Tripod Ladders​ in 2025

Our experts here at Ladders4Sale have hand-selected 4 of the best tripod ladders on the market, taking into consideration budget, safety features and reputable, well known brands such as Henchman and Hendon.

1. Henchman 3 Adjustable Tripod Leg Platform Ladder

The Henchman 3 Adjustable Triopod Platform Ladder is the ideal replacement for the traditional stepladder for all indoor and outdoor projects at height on uneven, soft, sloping ground steps or hills.

The tripod’s legs can be individually adjusted and its claw-like feet have a solid grip into the ground, providing complete stability while you’re pruning trees and hedges, getting creative with topiary or simply cleaning windows. Ps. the Henchman Tripod Ladders can cope with level changes up to 80% more than other ladders you’ll find on the market!

More benefits include:

• Each leg can be extended by at least 18 inches/45cm and can be placed easily in any position
• The re-engineered larger legs are 15% stronger than our previous adjustable tripod
• Kitemark certified to EN131
• 100kg maximum load
• 5 year warranty

2. Hendon Three Leg Adjustable Tripod Ladder

With three fully adjustable legs, the Hendon Three Leg Adjustable Ladder is the most versatile tripod ladder in the Hendon range. It has been manufactured from welded aluminium alloy extrusions, making it lightweight yet strong, with a Safe Working Load of 150kg (330lb).

Additional features include:

• Pack of 3 rubber boots
• The telescopic rear third leg is adjustable in 150mm stages
• The front two legs can be independently adjusted in 50mm steps with spring loading pins
• The adjustability of the legs means you can work safely on different levels, such as steps
• 5 year warranty

3. Hendon Standard Tripod Ladder

The Standard Tripod Ladder from Hendon offers a practical, well-designed solution to working at height, from topiary, bush, tree or hedge trimming, to gutter cleaning or painting.

It is made from welded extruded aluminium, meaning it is lightweight yet strong, and can handle a safe working load of 150kg.

The telescopic third leg allows the Hendon ladder to easily straddle shrubs and low fences and walls, making it easy to set up in the ideal working position. The flat top also allows the user to rest baskets or tools if necessary.

It also boasts:

• Clawed feet for added extra grip
• Broad double rung steps
• Pack of 3 rubber boots
• 5 year warranty

4. Hendon Platform Tripod Ladder

The Hendon Platform Tripod Ladder offers additional security and peace of mind to anyone slightly more cautious about working with their feet off the ground.

With a much deeper 175mm top working step, as well as a hand rail to lean into or hold onto, makes it perfect for more cautious gardeners.

More key features of this tripod include:

• Made from welded aluminium alloy extrusions, meaning it is lightweight but still strong
• Able to handle a safe working load of 150kg
• Pack of 3 rubber boots
• Clawed feet at the bottom of each leg to give extra grip
• Can easily straddle over shrubs, low fences and walls thanks to its telescopic third leg
• A flat top allows you to rest baskets or tools

How We Can Help

At Ladders4Sale, we offer a range of ladders, platforms, steps, towers and accessories for all trade and do-it-yourself jobs at unbeatable low prices.

Better yet, all of our products come with lifetime support – after your initial purchase, we continue to provide ongoing support and assistance for free. In addition to this, all orders come with free shipping to the mainland UK.

And for more tips and insights into the wonderful world of ladders, head over to our regularly updated ladder blog, written by our experts.