6 Best Combination Step Ladders For Multiple Farm Applications That Do It All
From barn repairs to orchard work, the right ladder does it all. We review the 6 best combination ladders for stability, versatility, and farm-ready durability.
You’ve got an extension ladder for the barn roof, a rickety wooden A-frame for pruning the apple trees, and a small step stool for the workshop that’s seen better days. The problem isn’t a lack of ladders; it’s the wrong kind of ladders taking up valuable space. A single, well-chosen combination ladder can replace that entire collection and handle nearly every job on your homestead.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Why One Ladder Can Rule Your Entire Homestead
One good ladder beats three mediocre ones every time. The clutter of specialized ladders—each one perfect for a single task but useless for others—is a classic farm problem. They lean against barn walls, get buried under tarps, and are never where you need them.
A multi-position or combination ladder is the ultimate utility player. It functions as an A-frame step ladder, an extension ladder, a staircase ladder for uneven ground, and can even be split into two trestles for a scaffolding system with a plank. This isn’t just about saving space; it’s about having the right tool for the job, instantly.
Think about a typical Saturday. You start by trimming branches from a pear tree (A-frame), then you need to clean the high gutters on the workshop (extension), and finally, you have to fix a light fixture on the sloped entrance to the root cellar (staircase). A combination ladder handles all three tasks without forcing you to drag three different pieces of equipment across your property.
Little Giant Velocity: The All-Around Workhorse
The Little Giant Velocity is often the first name that comes to mind, and for good reason. It’s the jack-of-all-trades that balances weight, strength, and user-friendly features better than almost any other ladder on the market. Its aluminum construction keeps it manageable to carry, while the wide-flared legs provide a reassuringly stable base.
What sets it apart for farm use is its simplicity and reliability. The Rock Lock adjusters are easy to operate with one hand, which is a huge help when you’re also trying to wrangle a tool or a length of wire. This is the ladder you grab for everything from stacking hay bales in the loft to hanging bird netting over your berry bushes. It’s light enough to move frequently but sturdy enough that you don’t second-guess its stability.
The tradeoff is that you pay for the brand recognition and proven design. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s an investment in a tool that will last for decades of hard use. For a homestead that demands daily vertical work, the Velocity’s durability makes it a smart long-term purchase.
Werner MT-22: Maximum Reach for Barn Rafters
If your primary concern is height, the Werner MT series is your answer. The MT-22, with its 22-foot reach, is built for accessing the highest points on your property. This is the ladder for inspecting the barn roof, painting the second-story gable, or reaching the very top of a mature oak tree.
Its heavy-duty construction and 300-pound load capacity mean it feels rock-solid even when fully extended. The push-knob hinges are secure and straightforward, giving you confidence when you’re 20 feet off the ground. For those big, intimidating jobs that happen a few times a year, having this kind of reach is non-negotiable.
Be warned: this ladder is heavy. It’s not something you’ll want to lug around for quick, five-minute tasks. Its weight is a direct result of its strength and reach, making it a specialized tool for high work, not an everyday carry. If your chores are mostly at or below 15 feet, the Werner’s bulk might be more of a hindrance than a help.
Gorilla Ladders MPXA: Versatility on a Budget
Not every homesteader needs a professional-grade, top-dollar ladder. The Gorilla Ladders MPXA series delivers the core benefits of a multi-position ladder at a much more accessible price point. It offers the same A-frame, extension, and staircase configurations, making it a fantastic entry point into the world of versatile ladders.
The key advantage here is value. Gorilla ladders are significantly lighter than many of their premium competitors, and the oversized speed locks are intuitive and quick to adjust. For someone just starting out or for a homestead with less frequent, less demanding ladder work, it’s an excellent choice that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Of course, that lower price comes with tradeoffs. The overall build may not feel as robust as a Little Giant or DeWalt, and its long-term durability under daily, punishing farm use is a valid question. It’s a perfect fit for the weekend homesteader, but those who use a ladder as a primary daily tool might find themselves wanting a heavier-duty option down the road.
Louisville Cross-Step: Pro-Grade Stability
The Louisville Cross-Step isn’t just another multi-ladder; it has a unique design feature that makes it incredibly useful for repair and maintenance tasks. It can be set up as a "shelf ladder," where one side is a traditional stepladder and the other side has horizontal rungs, creating a built-in platform for your tools, paint cans, or hardware.
Imagine you’re replacing a section of fascia on the chicken coop. With the Cross-Step, you can stand on one side while your drill, screws, and level rest securely on the other, just inches away. This eliminates countless trips up and down to grab something you forgot. Its fiberglass construction also makes it the safest choice for any work near electrical lines, like repairing the wiring for an exterior barn light.
The focus here is on stability and utility for a specific type of work, not maximum height. It’s often heavier than aluminum models of a similar size, and its primary strength is as a superior A-frame, not an ultra-long extension ladder. It’s a pro-grade tool for the homesteader who does a lot of hands-on repair work.
DeWalt DXL3020: Jobsite Tough for Farm Use
DeWalt builds tools for unforgiving construction sites, and that toughness translates perfectly to the farm. The DXL3020 multi-position ladder is an absolute tank. It’s constructed from heavy-duty fiberglass and is designed to withstand the drops, dings, and abuse that are part of daily life on a working homestead.
Two features make it stand out for farm work: its 375-pound "Type IAA" duty rating and its extra-wide rungs. The high weight capacity provides peace of mind when you’re carrying heavy tools or materials, and the wide rungs reduce foot fatigue when you’re standing on the ladder for long periods while wearing heavy work boots. This is the ladder you can toss in the back of the truck without worrying about damaging it.
That jobsite durability comes at the cost of weight and portability. Like the Werner, this is a heavy piece of equipment. Its adjustment mechanisms are built for durability over finesse, and it can feel a bit more cumbersome than a Little Giant. It’s the right choice for someone who values ruggedness above all else.
Little Giant Conquest: Premium Safety Features
For the homesteader who puts safety above all else, the Little Giant Conquest is the top of the line. It takes the proven design of other Little Giant ladders and adds critical safety enhancements, most notably the integrated Ratchet Levelers. These adjustable legs allow you to create a perfectly level, stable base on uneven or sloped ground with ease.
Think about setting up a ladder on the lumpy, soft ground next to your high tunnel or on a grassy hill to prune a tree. With a normal ladder, you’re looking for rocks or blocks of wood to shove under one leg—a notoriously unsafe practice. The Conquest’s levelers extend with a tap of your foot, solving the problem instantly and securely. This feature alone can prevent a serious accident.
The primary tradeoff is, without a doubt, the price. The Conquest is a premium product with a premium price tag. It represents the best-in-class for safety and convenience, but it’s a significant investment. This ladder is for the farmer who has experienced the terror of a wobbly ladder one too many times and is willing to pay to never feel that way again.
Choosing Your Ladder: Weight, Height, and Use
Ultimately, the "best" ladder doesn’t exist. The right ladder is the one that best fits the unique demands of your property and your workflow. Don’t get sold on a feature you’ll never use or a height you’ll never need.
Before you buy, grab a tape measure and walk your property. Be realistic about what you need to do and ask yourself a few key questions:
- What is my highest routine reach? Don’t buy a 22-foot ladder for a one-time job if 99% of your work is at 12 feet. Your barn rafters, tallest fruit trees, and house gutters will determine your answer.
- How often will I be moving it? If you’re constantly moving the ladder between the garden, the coop, and the workshop, a lighter aluminum model like the Little Giant Velocity or Gorilla will save your back. If it’s for one big job, the weight of a Werner or DeWalt is less of a factor.
- Is my ground level or uneven? If your homestead is hilly or has lots of lumpy terrain, the stability features of a ladder like the Little Giant Conquest with its levelers become critically important.
- What’s my budget? Be honest about what you can afford, but remember that a ladder is a tool for safety. Sometimes spending a little more for a sturdier build or a key feature is the smartest financial decision you can make.
A ladder is a decade-plus investment in your farm’s productivity and your personal safety. Consider how you work, where you work, and what makes you feel secure. The right choice will feel less like a tool and more like a trusted partner for getting the job done right.
Stop juggling multiple ladders and invest in one versatile workhorse that can adapt to your homestead’s ever-changing needs. By matching the ladder’s features to your specific property, you’ll get a tool that not only saves space but also makes your work safer and more efficient for years to come.
