Youngman Timberlux Loft Ladder

Introduction

youngman timberlux loft ladder

The Youngman Timberlux loft ladder, was manufactured for Youngman Group and for many years it was a regular seller for them.

I myself , have fitted many of these ladders,  into lofts and homes around the country.

They were sold through various outlets, including Wickes, Hombase and Rapid. Youngman, for some strange reason, known only to them, decided to discontinue the ladder, some  8 - 10 years ago,  with no particular reason given to fitters, retailers etc.

Instead they went and started selling  3 part folding ladders.

The Ladders

The Youngman Timberlux loft ladder, was suitable for floor to floor heights up to 3.2m and was operated independent of the door.  It had a spring mechanism,  at the back of the ladder fixed to the floor, two arms were fitted, they ran back to the top of the ladder.

All in all it was a great ladder, with nice deep treads, quite a wide ladder and a handrail on the left or right hand side.  Suitable for up to 150kg (23.5 stone).  There was a metal catch mechanism,  on the right hand side of the ladder.

Why Get Rid Of It?

As I said earlier there was no reason given at the time for it not being sold anymore, but one of the reasons might be:

The youngman timberlux loft ladder was held together by two metal bands, which allowed the ladder section to move through and over each other when being extended or retracted.

On occasions having fitted a ladder, within a week or two we would be called back to the house where it was fitted, because the ladder was said to be binding and stuck together.

This happened a few more times and then the penny dropped.  If the ladder was fitted into an un-insulated or poorly insulated loft, where there was moisture present, the ladder would absorb the moisture.

Because the ladder sections were so close to each other, they would enlarge and the metal bands would contract, making the youngman timberlux loft ladder all but impossible to separate.

We did report this fault to Youngman at the time and on other occasions and told them they needed to have the ladder sections  with a greater tolerance to allow for any expansion.

In the mean time, if we were fitting a ladder, we would shave off a small area of the stiles in case expansion happened, and explained to the customers, the  need for good insulation.

The problem was solved by the fitters, but never actioned by the manufacturer. So they discontinued what was a fine ladder, and the gauntlet was taken up by ABRU ladders with their 2 Section Sliding Loft Ladder.

which is almost identical to the old youngman timberlux loft ladder, but, not quite the same!

choosing a right ladder for you

 The Right Ladder

Choosing a right ladder

I have been fitting loft ladders since around 1999, during that time I have met a lot of customers of all ages, so I think I am something of an expert when selling a ladder to our senior citizens.

A Loft Ladder

Age brings with it aches and pains, along with problems in your hands and arms,  balance also is more of an issue.

When choosing a right ladder, you need to take this into consideration, what you were able to do  20 - 30 years ago, needs more of an effort.

Loft ladders such as  concertina ladders,  which are not sprung assisted, should be avoided at all costs.

They take great effort to push them into the air and store away.

Perfect Choices - Choosing a right ladder

You can get models like  DSC Concertina Loft Ladder

DSC domestic or commercial ladder

These have their own hatch door, frame and ladder and can be operated virtually with one hand.  These are a little expensive, but safe sound and robust.

Your may want a Junior Heavy Duty Concertina Loft Ladder. This is a cheaper model and will fit into those awkward spaces,  where no other ladder will go.  Again these are easy to move in and out of a loft hatch.

It has sprung assisted arms on each side which takes most weight away.

If when choosing this ladder, always get telescopic handrails, and choose a wider tread size if you can afford it when choosing a right ladder for you.

Avoid - If age above applies to you.

Avoid when choosing a right ladder for you (if you have issues in  arms or shoulders, or limited stature).

Dolle Concertina Loft Ladder. It is otherwise a good ladder, but time has taught me, that our older customers struggle with this particular model.

It is held in a hatch by two springs,  these keep it in a horizontal position, but they do not offer sufficient assistance when stowing it away.

This can be (if elderly) quite difficult and, depending upon a height of a ceiling (dangerous).

Anyone else using this model,  are fine with it.  If you are not using it personally,  but need a concertina ladder,  due to limited space then get it.

Almost all other ladders are pretty much easy enough to manage otherwise.  If in doubt when trying to choose a right ladder , always call us  on 01271 858698.

There is a noise in the loft dear! - Explored

There is a Noise in The Loft Dear!