Walking the Plank with the “Little Giant”

[Patriot]

I have been thinking about a different, safer way to clean, polish and detail our Oliver vs the hazard of hanging off a single ladder. Seems like I just don’t bounce like I use to. 😄

While at CGI in April letting the guys work their magic on our Oliver, I took a real hard look at their Little Giant ladder and plank set up. I decided to invest in a safer way to keep our Oliver in tip-top shape. A big shout out to both Colin and Gavin at CGI. They really shared their valuable feedback on what works well for them. 

With not a lot of room on either side of XPLOR in the “Ollie Hangar”, this narrow rock solid no bounce configuration allows me to safely walk the 30’ plank…. Arrrrrr!!!🏴‍☠️ And getter done!

(2) Little Giant planks - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Little-Giant-Ladders-Fixed-10-ft-Plank/5001578523

(3) Little Giant Ladders -https://www.lowes.com/pd/Little-Giant-Ladders-Aluminum-18-ft-Reach-Type-1A-300-lbs-Capacity-Telescoping-Multi-Position-Ladder/1001038922

 

 

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Edited Sunday at 04:51 PM by Patriot

[Roger]

I too don't like heights and ladders anymore.  That looks like a very good setup.  Since I already have a couple of ladders I will have to look into this setup.

[rideandfly]

David,

Very Nice setup! The Little Giant fits perfectly in the "XPLOR" hangar.

I just used a scaffold for the first time waxing the top of Ollie down to the top of the windows, it was so much safer, easier and faster than hanging off of a ladder. 

[Patriot]

42 minutes ago, rideandfly said:

David,

Very Nice setup! The Little Giant fits perfectly in the "XPLOR" hangar.

I just used a scaffold for the first time waxing the top of Ollie down to the top of the windows, it was so much safer, easier and faster than hanging off of a ladder. 

Bill,

Thanks! I bet your Oliver looks amazing! This set up will also make it so much easier and safer when installing our Calmark Cover during winter storage  months.
Ladders no more! 😊👍🏻

David

Edited Saturday at 11:05 PM by Patriot

[Patriot]

2 hours ago, Roger said:

I too don't like heights and ladders anymore.  That looks like a very good setup.  Since I already have a couple of ladders I will have to look into this setup.

@Roger I was able to locate the 10’ planks actually in stock after an online search at a local Lowe’s store. I noticed that many stores do not stock the 10’ planks and require a special order. Just an fyi.

 

Edited Sunday at 12:25 AM by Patriot

[jd1923]

6 hours ago, Patriot said:

With not a lot of room on either side of XPLOR in the “Ollie Hangar”, this narrow rock solid no bounce configuration allows me to safely walk the 30’ plank…

Fits perfectly in your hanger! Jus to bring attention to another option for those reading...

I purchased two sets of this scaffolding, thanks to @Ronbrink when last year The Depot had them online at a "Special Buy" price! 🤣

It would not fit in David's "Hanger" but I like how I can roll it out of our garage and use it where needed. Each side is height adjustable, so I can also use it around the house for exterior work and painting too! It will take less room (as pictured) where the ladders will stick out further, left and right.

But let me get one thing straight! I've used this as pictured to remove the Winegard dish, replace the bathroom exhaust fan and repair all the top-front fiberglass. Soon, I will use it to replace the A/C on top of our hull. But, no way in the world am I getting up there to wash and wax, to make our hull pretty! 🤣

[rideandfly]

10 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

Fits perfectly in your hanger! Jus to bring attention to another option for those reading...

I purchased two sets of this scaffolding, thanks to @Ronbrink when last year The Depot had them online at a "Special Buy" price! 🤣

But, no way in the world am I getting up there to wash and wax, to make our hull pretty! 🤣

This is the photo where I got the idea to buy the identical scaffold from Home Depot while on sale, thanks to you and @Ronbrink. I have some other jobs in mind for the scaffold, but have to admit, our Ollie is very purdy after after waxing, probably the best it's ever looked since buying it used in 2016. 

[rideandfly]

3 hours ago, Patriot said:

Bill,

Thanks! I bet your Oliver looks amazing! Ladders no more! 😊👍🏻

David

Best it's ever looked in the 9 years we have owned it.  Agree, ladders no more!

[jd1923]

2 minutes ago, rideandfly said:

.., but have to admit, our Ollie is very purdy after waxing, probably the best it's ever looked since buying it used in 2016. 

If only there was more time in the day and my old bones and muscles could work the 10-hour days I was long used to!

I’ll save my time and strength for when in August I install D52 axles and Alcan springs. Some of us contract repair work and mods, and I job out body and detail work.

I don’t have the attention span for it, I’d likely make it worse! 🤣

[Patriot]

 

The Metaltech was certainly a consideration when I was researching scaffolding and a safer way to wash, wax and detail our Oliver. For my use, the big concern I had with the Metaltech is the plywood flooring and we all know how water and plywood do not play well together. I suppose you could replace the plywood floor with treated or marine grade plywood to forgo delamination of the flooring for use in a wet environment. If you never plan to use the Metaltech to wash your Oliver this may not be an issue. 

The second concern is portability, set up, and naturally take down and storage of the Metaltech (tuber vid). It’s quite heavy and cumbersome and not nearly as light weight and portable as the Little Giant ladder and plank system. I can set up the 3 Little Giant ladders and two planks in less than 10 minutes flying solo. I always take down and store my equipment when not in use. The very bottom of the Little Giant ladder width is only a narrow but rock stable 22” which as mentioned is a win for my use. The other plus is I can walk the plank ARRRR!!🏴‍☠️ 😄 the entire length of the Oliver without having to ever move my scaffolding. This allows me keep right on washing, waxing until the work is complete.

Take down and storage is a breeze. The all aluminum 10’ planks weigh 24# each and the M18 ladders each weigh approx 33# and are easy to manage and store. The light weight all aluminum corrosion free construction certainly comes at a cost. (See product link in my OP)

Please note! This post is not meant to start a scaffold war… ✌🏻😄.

Just listing the few important reasons which I based my decision on to invest in the Little Giant system. This might help others who wish to quit hanging off a ladder.  As always roll with what works best for your individual and SAFETY needs.

Patriot 🇺🇸

Edited Sunday at 03:14 AM by Patriot

[jd1923]

Thank you @Patriot, a very helpful post and now two great options!

[Townesw]

 

I can stand on the platform, lean on the handrail, and reach the center of the roof. 
 

Doubles as stairs to mezzanine in shop.

 

Edited Sunday at 05:51 PM by Townesw

[rideandfly]

9 hours ago, Patriot said:

I suppose you could replace the plywood floor with treated or marine grade plywood to forgo delamination of the flooring for use in a wet environment. If you never plan to use the Metaltech to wash your Oliver this may not be an issue. 

The second concern is portability, set up, and naturally take down and storage of the Metaltech (tuber vid). It’s quite heavy and cumbersome and not nearly as light weight and portable as the Little Giant ladder and plank system. 

Please note! This post is not meant to start a scaffold war… ✌🏻😄.

Patriot 🇺🇸

Agree, I'm keeping the Metaltech in the airplane hangar with Ollie and the Vagabond to keep them out of the weather. To transport it used a trailer to keep it in one piece. I had it in the garage for a while with a table underneath, Debbie did not have any trouble with it, but when I put things on the table occasionally bumped my head, glad I'm hardheaded. 🙃 

That's what I like about this forum, for folks that may be buying a scaffold, this lets them know real life application of a product, good or bad.

Bottom line working off of a scaffold on Ollie is great for increased safety, ease and faster than working off of a ladder. 🙂

 

 

[Ronbrink]

10 hours ago, Patriot said:

Just listing the few important reasons which I based my decision on to invest in the Little Giant system. This might help others who wish to quit hanging off a ladder.  As always roll with what works best for your individual and SAFETY needs.

Given the narrow space within your “Ollie Hangar”, your system is perfect! The adjacent wall(s) offers necessary fall protection whether preforming maintenance, repairs or upgrades; which would not be the case if the same or similar setup was used outside with no such backing or protective rail. Thanks for the SAFETY reminder! 

Edited Sunday at 01:15 PM by Ronbrink

[Ronbrink]

11 hours ago, jd1923 said:

But let me get one thing straight! I've used this as pictured to remove the Winegard dish, replace the bathroom exhaust fan and repair all the top-front fiberglass. Soon, I will use it to replace the A/C on top of our hull. But, no way in the world am I getting up there to wash and wax, to make our hull pretty! 🤣

Anyone using or thinking of using scaffolding should take notice to John’s setup; specifically, the top rail for fall protection. This is a necessary precaution when working at any height and should not be ignored, so please take heed! Alternatively, as a cost saving measure, I chose to make my safety railing; four-sided railing with locking swing gates on the ends.  Shown here when using the scaffold to install the Dreiha Atmos 4.4 last summer and during my last waxing cycle. As a side note to address concern expressed regarding the wooden platform’s exposure to water, I cover it with a large door mat; which also offers better footing.

 

[Ronbrink]

1 hour ago, rideandfly said:

Agree, I'm keeping the Metaltech in the airplane hangar with Ollie and the Vagabond to keep them out of the weather. To transport it used a trailer to keep it in one piece. I had it in the garage for a while with a table underneath, Debbie did not have any trouble with it, but when I put things on the table occasionally bumped my head, glad I'm hardheaded. 🙃 

That's what I like about this forum, for folks that may be buying a scaffold, this lets them know real life application of a product, good or bad.

Bottom line working off of a scaffold on Ollie is great for increased safety, ease and faster than working off of a ladder. 🙂

 

 

It definitely helps to have the space to keep the scaffold nearby and fully assembled for immediate use. To @Patriot’s point, they are heavy and can otherwise be cumbersome to store and setup, as needed. The locking rollers that come with the MetalTech work great for moving and positioning. 

[Jim and Frances]

@Ronbrink  Oh what I would do for some of that shade!   🫠

 

[Ronbrink]

16 minutes ago, Jim and Frances said:

@Ronbrink  Oh what I would do for some of that shade!   🫠

 

Texas heat management! I also place a fan on the platform and a cold drink in the cup holder. This side tray is very handy for staging supplies and equipment.

[Jim and Frances]

A fan???  So wrong!!!  I kinda enjoy having sweat dripping whilst trying to apply ceramic coating - NOT.  😉

[jd1923]

4 hours ago, Townesw said:

 

I can stand on the platform, lean on the handrail, and reach the center of the roof. 

That’s awesome! I like the integrated stairs. Looks too big to fit under a standard garage door though, but would be great for those with a BIG Ollie Barn!

4 hours ago, rideandfly said:

Agree, I'm keeping the Metaltech in the airplane hangar with Ollie and the Vagabond to keep them out of the weather. To transport it used a trailer to keep it in one piece. I had it in the garage for a while with a table underneath, Debbie did not have any trouble with it, but when I put things on the table occasionally bumped my head, glad I'm hardheaded. 🙃

Me too! @Ronbrink also mention keeping the MetalTech together as a rolling unit. I keep one 6-ft-tall section always assembled as shown in my picture above. The way I setup this one it fits tightly around the Oliver doghouse and I could reach everything in front of the solar panels. In my garage, I can park the nose of a smaller vehicle inside of it, so it takes up little extra room.

I purchased a second setup which can add to make a 12 ft height. At that height, mount guard rails squared at the top and add outriggers for the security of a wider stance. I will do this when I finally take the plunge to replace our A/C!

I also purchased the $40 shelf Ron showed. Haven't needed a fan up there but it holds tools nicely too!

We now have 3 viable options for a variety of needs!

Edited Sunday at 04:37 PM by jd1923

[FloraFauna]

13 hours ago, Townesw said:

I can stand on the platform, lean on the handrail, and reach the center of the roof. 

Looks like yours is bit taller than mine but I can still reach to the middle of my Oliver as well.  Sometimes I use a microfiber wash mitt on a short pole.  Nice thing about this is the setup is minimal - roll into place and go.  The limitation is that you need to go up and down to move it.

[Patriot]

Up early this morning while it was still cool here in Western NC and decided to “walk the plank” and wash our Oliver. It’s a total game changer for sure and much safer and easier than as mentioned a (3 point contact rule) hanging off a ladder. The aluminum plank is actually grooved and nonslip which is a plus. Based on my first use of this plank system I give high marks and would purchase again. It use to take me 1.5 hrs to fully wash XPLOR, now it takes about 50 min which includes drying with my electric blower. Set up and take down of the plank is approx 10 min. 👍🏻🇺🇸
 

 

 

 

Edited 23 hours ago by Patriot

[Zodd]

Thanks @Patriot. I have limited room on the side to work on maintenance efforts as well. I have been using a little giant to do the work so far. I love that ladder but did not know they had planks. This looks like the solution for me. 

[Patriot]

5 hours ago, Zodd said:

Thanks @Patriot. I have limited room on the side to work on maintenance efforts as well. I have been using a little giant to do the work so far. I love that ladder but did not know they had planks. This looks like the solution for me. 

Todd,

You’re welcome!
Just passing forward what I learned from the CGI team, and glad I could help. 👍🏻

-David

Edited Monday at 09:06 PM by Patriot