W.steps PRIME LINE Handles 2,500 lbs. of Force During Third-party Testing
To meet the rigorous demands of HVAC professionals, W.steps PRIME and COMBI Line telescopic ladders from Hultafors Group North America are now available in the United States. The PRIME and COMBI Lines are Type 1A heavy duty ANSI, EN 131 and SP certified.
In addition to those certifications, recent third-party, “torture” testing found that the W.steps (pronounced “vee-steps”) PRIME Line ladder strength far exceeds its weight classification. In one test, the stair treads of a W.steps PRIME 13.5′ ladder were loaded with a hydraulic ram and withstood 2,500 lbs. of force. In another strength test, bags of gravel were suspended across the length of a W.steps PRIME Line 9.5′ ladder. In this horizontal load test, the W.steps ladder supported 975 lbs. In a final test, an isolated rail section of a 9.5′ ladder was subjected to a three-point bending test and withstood a force of more than 2,300 lbs.
W.steps’ strength comes from its patented triangular tube design that produces superior torsional rigidity, making the ladders stronger and more stable than round tube telescopic ladders. In addition, the PRIME and COMBI Line ladders are made in Sweden from aircraft-grade, certified aluminum.
“The recent third-party tests prove not only the superiority of the individual components of the W.steps ladders but highlight the impressive structural integrity of the entire ladder,” says Patrick Tetzlaff, general manager of Design Department Incorporated, the company that conducted the testing.
In addition to its strength, W.steps ladders are also convenient. Since they are telescopic, technicians can easily extend them to the precise height that’s required and then quickly collapse them for compact transport and storage. For example, the 13.5′ telescopic PRIME ladder collapses down to 36″.
Photo caption: The W.steps PRIME 9.5′ telescopic ladder collapses down to 30″ (pictured left). The PRIME 11.5′ ladder is equipped with stabilizers to provide two additional points of ground contact and collapses down to 35″ (pictured center, partially extended). The 13.5′ PRIME Line ladder also has stabilizers and collapses down to 36″ (pictured right).
W.steps Design Innovations
With safety in mind, the rungs on W.steps ladders have grooved channels to disperse dirt and moisture for a better show grip and are 3 1/8″ wide to help prevent slipping, provide more comfort and reduce muscle fatigue. In fact, the rungs are 30% wider than competing products and are designed to be level when the ladder is leaned against a wall at a 75-degree angle.
To provide a stable platform to safely perform tasks and help prevent slipping, the bases of all W.steps PRIME and COMBI ladders have angled rubber feet and the top rails are capped with durable rubber that can be adjusted individually to accommodate uneven or obstructed surfaces. In addition, the 11.5′ and 13.5′ PRIME ladders have patented stabilizers that provide two additional points of ground contact.
For even more stability, the PRIME Line offers adjustable safety feet as an add-on accessory. With these feet, the leg height can be set individually to ensure the ladder has full, level contact on uneven surfaces.
W.steps’ focus on safety also covers the ladder’s closing. Users must push two buttons to initiate the closing mechanism, eliminating the possibility of accidental unlocking. To avoid pinched fingers, which is a common occurrence with competing products, all PRIME and COMBI ladders feature an exclusive slow close system.
The telescopic PRIME Line ladders come with a one-year warranty, are ANSI-certified to hold up to 330 lbs. and have an MSRP of $465 for the 9.5′, $519 for the 11.5′ and $689 for the 13.5′ model.
W.steps COMBI Line
For professionals who require more versatility, the W.steps COMBI Line can be used as a standalone, A-frame or leaning ladder. With advanced engineering, it takes just seconds to convert the ladder from one configuration to another. As a leaning ladder, its height can easily be adjusted. For situations that require more stability, the A-frame configuration is ideal.
The COMBI line ladders come with a one-year warranty, are ANSI-certified to hold up to 330 lbs. and have an MSRP of $585 for the 7.5′ and $779 for the 9.5′ model.
Photo caption: The W.steps COMBI 7.5′ and COMBI 9.5′ telescopic ladders easily convert from a standalone, A-frame or leaning ladder and are now available in the United States and Canada.
W.steps ladders are available online at Acme Tools, H To O Supply, Johnstone Supply and through Hultafors Group North America dealers nationwide. For more information, visit wsteps.us.
Background
W.steps is part of the Hultafors Group NA portfolio of premium professional brands. Hultafors Group NA is part of Hultafors Group, a global company based in Göteborg, Sweden, that offers superior brands designed and manufactured specifically for tradespeople.
In addition to W.steps, the Hultafors Group brands include Hults Bruk, SCANGRIP, Johnson Level, CLC Work Gear, Hultafors Tools, Martinez Tools, Snickers Workwear, Solid Gear Footwear and Hellberg Safety.
