Werner MT-22 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multi-Ladder, 22-Foot

GREAT ladder and well-deserving of the high ratings received here.Mine arrived in perfect condition. One reviewer mentioned that he had to lube some parts, and they still didn't move well. So that's the first thing I checked after I removed the factory wrapping. Happy to report that the moving parts are perfectly engineered: all rails move smoothly and all j-hooks easily pull out & snap into place w/o any extra effort on my part.This ladder is ideal for anyone who uses 5' and 8' ladders regularly along with a 19' extension ladder. That description fits me. I own some residential rental housing and do most of my own maintenance. In the past, I used a 5-footer mainly for interior painting; I needed an 8-footer for my units with cathedral ceilings; and I needed an extension ladder when working outside. It was a real pain when I had to pack all three ladders in my van. Now I just take the one MT-22 ladder, and, when folded, it doesn't use much more room than my 5-footer did, but takes the place of all 3 ladders. I wish I bought this thing years ago.If you've ever tried using a ladder on stairs by adding some sort of (unsafe) support under two of the feet, you'll be amazed how effortlessly & safely you can use this ladder on stairs. This feature alone might make this ladder worth the price for some people.Several reviewers here commented on the weight. I haven't put it on a scale, but 45 - 50 lbs seems about right. I'm sure there are a lot of ladies who could throw this thing over their shoulder without breaking a sweat. But, for those who can't, this ladder might not be the best for many tasks women (& guys) end up doing inside the house. Having a light-weight 5- or 6-footer is still ideal for those jobs the wife or girlfriend want or have to handle themselves w/o male assistance. In fact, I don't feel like a wussy when I grab our 5-footer instead of the MT-22 for use in & around the house. However, this MT-22 at 5' and at 8' feels aheckofa lot sturdier than my 5- or 8-footer. At full extension, it also has a more solid feel than my 19' aluminum extension ladder.For those of us who recycle aluminum cans, this ladder probably contains a few cans we used once. I ran a magnet over it, and the only steel I found are the rivets holding the ladder rungs, and the 2 mid-point hinges. So based on weight, I'd say this ladder is at least 99.5% rigid aluminum.One caution worth repeating is watch your fingers at first when you start experimenting and especially when lowering it. There's no rope to use for extending or lowering it as with a standard extension ladder. Until you get used to operating this ladder, it's real easy to leave your fingers in the wrong place. After I got it unpacked, I was fascinated with the various configurations and had to try out every one -- and in the excitement lost concentration on where my fingers were placed. Amazing how a pinched finger resharpens concentration.I, too, would like to support the USA company that invented this design rather than an overseas manufacturer that copied the concept. But at less than half-price and no tax or shipping charge when ordering from Amazon, this Werner ladder is a super deal if the concept meets your needs. In fact, if you're not in a hurry to get it, add the Werner MT-22 to your Amazon wish list and check it at least once a week. Eventually you'll see the selling price dip by about $30 for a while, then go back up again. The price move down and up is as quiet and smooth as this ladder.

I use a ladder such as this only on occasion but very hard when I do so as a professional painter. The weight is always a concern as I weigh 140 lbs. and don't generally need the penalty of a 300 lb. rated ladder. Dancing with the extended ladder around shrubbery on un-level ground did cause a few pulled muscles, but the stability was worth it, especially in Oklahoma where the wind is always a factor. Another advantage is that you can use either side of the ladder when set up as a stepladder, which means you have to move it only half as often, and that it can straddle most obstacles without repositioning. I was driven to consider this multi-ladder by my requirement that it fit in my small SUV, but given the storage space that it occupies, would choose it over a regular extension ladder. Its ability to accommodate stairs and platforms is invaluable. The 18 foot actual length has provided more than enough height for two story access, and a longer ladder would be impossible for a single user. The hardware is extremely reliable and the price makes it an excellent value.

I just received this ladder yesterday and put it right to work. We have very high ceilings in our entryway and great room (18'), and I was putting off some chores like replacing light bulbs in a high fixture, cleaning off window ledges and getting rid of a few cobwebs. I checked all of these items off of my honey-do list within a few minutes of the Multi-ladder entering my life. Now to tackle some of the outdoor chores on the list...I opted to purchase this ladder over others for a few reasons. First is its versatility. I have a couple of other ladders (5 foot step, 15 foot extension), and wanted to find a way to fill the gaps without buying (and storing) many other ladders. This useful one ladder should allow me to do everything that I need to do, all in tidy package. Second is its price. This ladder is only $40 more than a 10' step ladder at a local big-box store, and is hundreds less than its main name-brand competitor. It is still very sturdy, and I expect it will last a lifetime.The only down-side that I can see is its weight. I have no problem lugging it around, but I don't think my wife could comfortably do so. Then again, i can't think of the last time my wife needed more than a short step ladder, so I will probably be the only one using this.Overall I highly recommend this ladder as an economical, sturdy, versatile and easy to store item for any homeowner.