Ladders & Sack Trucks

About Ladders & Sack Trucks

Whether you're a professional tradesperson working on site or a DIY enthusiast tackling projects at home, having the right access equipment and materials handling solutions is essential for working safely and efficiently. Our Ladders & Sack Trucks category brings together a comprehensive range of products designed to help you reach heights safely and move heavy loads with ease. From lightweight step ladders for domestic use to industrial-strength platform trucks capable of handling substantial loads across warehouses and construction sites, we stock equipment suitable for every application.

This category encompasses four key product areas: traditional ladders in various configurations including extension ladders, step ladders, and combination models; pallet and sack trucks for moving boxed goods, building materials, and heavy items; platform trucks offering stable bases for transporting awkward or bulky loads; and trolleys and ramps that provide versatile solutions for materials handling across different environments. Each subcategory features products from leading manufacturers who understand the demands placed on equipment used daily by professionals across the UK.

Choosing the right access and handling equipment isn't just about convenience—it's about workplace safety, efficiency, and compliance with HSE regulations. Quality ladders manufactured to BS EN 131 standards and robust sack trucks with appropriate load ratings can make the difference between a job completed safely and potential accidents or injuries. Whether you're a builder needing to access scaffolding, a warehouse operative moving pallets, or a decorator working on high ceilings, investing in proper equipment from trusted brands ensures you can work confidently and productively.

Jargon Buster

• BS EN 131: The British and European safety standard for portable ladders, ensuring products meet rigorous requirements for strength, stability, and safe design. Always look for this certification when purchasing ladders for professional use.
• Safe Working Load (SWL): The maximum weight capacity a sack truck, trolley, or platform truck can safely carry, typically measured in kilograms. This includes both the weight of materials and any additional forces applied during movement.
• Duty Rating: Ladders are classified into duty ratings (Class 1, EN131 Professional, Class 3 Domestic) indicating their intended use and load capacity. Professional tradespeople should select Class 1 or EN131 Professional rated ladders.
• Pneumatic Tyres: Air-filled tyres fitted to sack trucks and trolleys that provide better shock absorption and manoeuvrability over uneven surfaces, making them ideal for outdoor use and construction sites.
• Platform Height: The actual standing height on a ladder or the load-bearing surface height on a platform truck, which differs from the overall height of the equipment. This is the critical measurement for determining if equipment suits your task.
• Toe Plate: A raised edge on platform trucks and trolleys that prevents items from sliding off during transport, essential when moving materials across inclines or uneven ground.

Who Uses Ladders & Sack Trucks?

This equipment serves a diverse range of trades and industries across the UK:

• Builders and construction workers requiring access equipment for brickwork, rendering, and general building tasks, plus sack trucks for moving materials around sites
• Electricians and plumbers needing safe access to ceiling spaces, electrical installations, and pipework at height
• Decorators and painters who spend considerable time working at height on interior and exterior projects
• Warehouse operatives and logistics staff moving pallets, boxes, and heavy goods in distribution centres
• Delivery drivers using sack trucks to transport parcels and goods from vehicles to customers
• Retail and hospitality workers accessing stock rooms, changing displays, and moving supplies
• Maintenance teams and facility managers requiring versatile access equipment for building upkeep
• Landscapers and groundskeepers transporting tools, materials, and equipment across sites
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners tackling renovation projects, decorating, and home maintenance tasks

How to Choose the Right Ladders & Sack Trucks

For Ladders: Start by assessing the maximum height you need to reach regularly, remembering that you shouldn't stand on the top two rungs of most ladders. Consider where you'll use the ladder—combination ladders offer versatility for tradespeople working across different sites, whilst fixed-height step ladders may suit specific repeated tasks. Check the duty rating matches your professional requirements (Class 1 for heavy trade use) and ensure the ladder meets BS EN 131 standards. Look for features like non-slip feet, comfortable rungs, and tool trays if you'll be working at height for extended periods.

For Sack Trucks and Handling Equipment: The safe working load is your primary consideration—calculate the typical weight of loads you'll move and select equipment with appropriate capacity, allowing some margin for safety. Consider the environment where you'll use the equipment: pneumatic tyres work better on rough ground and construction sites, whilst solid rubber tyres suit smooth warehouse floors. Handle height affects user comfort, particularly for staff of different heights who'll share equipment. Folding designs offer storage advantages for mobile tradespeople, whilst fixed-frame models provide maximum strength for heavy-duty applications.

Think about specific features for your trade: platform trucks with mesh sides prevent items falling off, whilst flat platforms suit larger awkward loads. Stair-climbing sack trucks help delivery drivers working in buildings without lifts. If you're transporting delicate materials, look for models with cushioned bases or adjustable straps. For professional use, aluminium construction offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, whilst steel frames provide maximum durability for the most demanding industrial applications.

Popular Accessories

• Ladder stabilisers and stays that increase stability when working at height, particularly on uneven ground
• Ladder stand-offs creating clearance from walls for working around gutters and windows
• Anti-slip ladder matting and feet for improved stability on smooth or slippery surfaces
• Tool trays and buckets that attach to ladders, keeping tools and fixings within easy reach
• Bungee cords and ratchet straps for securing loads on sack trucks and platform trolleys during transport
• Replacement wheels and tyres for maintaining sack trucks and trolleys in working order
• Protective gloves for improved grip and hand protection when handling equipment and materials
• Loading ramps for moving wheeled equipment over steps and into vehicles

Safety Information

Working at height and manual handling are among the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK. The HSE provides clear guidance that employers and self-employed tradespeople must follow. When using ladders, always maintain three points of contact, position the ladder at the correct angle (approximately 75 degrees), and ensure it's secured at the top or footed at the base. Never over-reach—move the ladder instead. Inspect ladders before each use for damage, worn feet, or loose rungs, and withdraw damaged equipment from service immediately.

For sack trucks and handling equipment, never exceed the stated safe working load, as this compromises stability and can lead to equipment failure. Always assess loads before moving them and use proper manual handling techniques when loading and unloading. Ensure loads are balanced and secured before transport, and take particular care on slopes, ramps, and uneven surfaces where equipment can become unstable. Wear appropriate safety footwear with steel toe caps when moving heavy loads, and use hi-visibility clothing on busy sites. Regular maintenance including checking wheels, handles, and frames for damage helps prevent accidents and ensures equipment remains safe to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Class 1 and Class 3 ladders?

Class 1 ladders are designed for heavy-duty professional trade use with higher load capacities (typically 175kg), whilst Class 3 ladders are rated for light domestic DIY use (maximum 125kg). If you're a tradesperson or using a ladder regularly, always choose Class 1 or EN131 Professional rated ladders for safety and durability. The duty rating should be clearly marked on the ladder.

Can I use a sack truck to move a fully loaded pallet?

Standard sack trucks aren't designed for full pallet loads—you'll need a proper pallet truck (also called a pallet jack) for this purpose. These feature forks that slide under pallets and hydraulic mechanisms to lift and move them safely. Sack trucks work best for boxes, sacks, appliances, and stacked items that can be tilted back against the frame. Check our pallet trucks subcategory for appropriate equipment.

Do I need a ladder with a handrail?

Handrails aren't legally required but significantly improve safety, particularly when climbing on and off the ladder at height. Platform step ladders with handrails are excellent for tasks requiring you to work from the platform for extended periods, such as decorating or electrical work. The handrail provides support and confidence, especially when carrying tools or materials up the ladder.

What size ladder do I need for working on a bungalow?

For typical UK bungalows with eaves around 2.4-3 metres high, a combination ladder or extension ladder with a maximum extended height of 4.5-5.5 metres provides safe access to gutters and roofwork. Remember the 4:1 rule for positioning—for every 4 metres up, the base should be 1 metre out from the wall. Always ensure at least 1 metre of ladder extends above the step-off point.

Are pneumatic or solid tyres better for sack trucks?

It depends on your working environment. Pneumatic (air-filled) tyres provide better shock absorption and work well on rough ground, construction sites, and outdoor use where you're moving over uneven surfaces. Solid rubber or polyurethane tyres are puncture-proof, require no maintenance, and work perfectly on smooth warehouse or shop floors. For tradespeople working across varied sites, pneumatic tyres offer more versatility.