How much weight can a ladder really hold?

When determining the weight capacity of a ladder, there are several factors to consider:

• The material of the ladder - Aluminum ladders are lightweight but can typically hold up to 300-400 pounds, while fiberglass ladders tend to have a higher weight capacity of 300-600 pounds.
• The ladder's duty rating - Ladders are assigned a duty rating (Type I, Type II, etc.) which indicates the maximum weight capacity it can support. For example, a Type I ladder can hold up to 250 pounds, while a Type IA ladder can hold up to 300 pounds.
• The ladder's length - Longer ladders may have a lower weight capacity due to increased flexing and stress on the ladder structure.
• The ladder's condition - Inspect the ladder for any damage or wear and tear that may compromise its strength and weight capacity.

It is important to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and weight capacity recommendations to ensure safe and proper use of the ladder.