Agricultural machinery is getting bigger – the demands on safe access are increasing
In practice, risks often arise not during major repairs, but during seemingly simple routine tasks. A quick glance into the seed hopper, cleaning an air filter, topping up operating fluids or checking a hydraulic connection can quickly turn into an impromptu climbing session. Tyres, axles, attachments, pallets or plastic containers are then used as makeshift climbing aids. This can lead to a dangerous situation, particularly when under time pressure, in changing weather conditions or during the harvest season. Slippery surfaces, dirty shoes and a lack of handholds further increase the risk of accidents.
Practical solutions rather than improvisation
Professional access solutions helps to reduce these risks and makes work processes more predictable. KRAUSE offers a range of ladders, folding steps, platform solutions, mobile scaffolding and customised solutions for the agricultural sector, all tailored to the typical working conditions on farms. It is not only the working height achieved that is crucial, but also the question of how safely, ergonomically and quickly a task can be completed.
Step ladders, working platforms and platform ladders have proven their worth in many day-to-day tasks. They are versatile, readily available and provide a firm footing for inspection, maintenance and cleaning work. Anyone who regularly works on feeding systems, livestock equipment, in storage areas or on machinery, for example, benefits from wide steps, slip-resistant treads and a sturdy construction. Particularly for tasks where tools need to be carried or both hands are required, a platform ladder with a large standing area and all-round safety features offers significant advantages over simple access aids.
A typical example of this is the maintenance of a combine harvester before the start of a long day’s harvest. Air filters, fuel tank areas, covers and inspection points must be easily accessible. A mobile platform ladder can be positioned so that the user stands securely, has their tools to hand and does not have to climb onto parts of the machine. This saves time, reduces physical strain and improves safety at work.
Agricultural working environments are rarely clean and dry. Mud, dust, moisture, organic residues, animal feed or oil can soil treads and thus increase the risk of slipping. Access solutions featuring specially slip-resistant R13 steps and platforms provide a remedy here. KRAUSE offers R13 versions for, among other things, step ladders, platform ladders, working platforms and tanker ladders. Another new addition in this context is the step leaning ladder with R13 steps. It combines the flexible use of a leaning ladder with wide, slip-resistant steps, thus offering a more ergonomic and secure footing for demanding tasks. At the same time, it meets the requirements of TRBS 2121-2 for the use of steps as a workplace.
The R13 leaning ladder is a practical addition to the range of applications in the agricultural sector. It is ideal wherever safe access to elevated areas is required but a freestanding solution cannot be used. This may be the case, for example, during maintenance work on buildings, when accessing technical installations, when working on silos or machine superstructures, and at sites where the location changes seasonally. The slip-resistant steps ensure a secure footing, even if footwear or the surroundings are not completely clean.
The R13 models are particularly suitable for businesses where ladders are regularly used in harsh conditions. Whilst smooth or dirty treads can quickly become a problem, specially designed rungs and platforms ensure greater slip resistance. This is not merely a matter of convenience, but an important factor in preventing accidents. Thanks to the open profile, the step can clean itself as it is climbed. Soil, feed residues or organic debris fall through the openings and do not remain on the tread. As the R13 step from KRAUSE is made entirely of aluminium, it is not subject to wear and tear caused by use, unlike many standard models on the market that feature additional rubber or plastic inserts.
Stability and load-bearing capacity for continuous professional use
In addition to slip resistance and ergonomics, load-bearing capacity is also a crucial factor. In agriculture, ladders are often used intensively and by different people. They are also subjected to stress from tools, protective equipment or materials. That is why KRAUSE has expanded its range to include heavy-duty ladders with a load capacity of up to 225 kg. These include robust step ladders and double ladders for professional use.
For farms, workshops and machinery dealers, this higher load capacity can be a decisive factor. They offer additional strength for everyday use and enable professional use in demanding conditions. Depending on the model, the heavy-duty step ladders feature a raised safety bar, a multifunctional tray or a bucket hook. Newer models, such as the STABILO step ladder 135 XL 225 kg, combine the higher load capacity with deep steps, a wide safety platform and a raised safety bar.
In practice, this is relevant, for example, when working regularly on large machines belonging to customers in an agricultural machinery workshop. Mechanics must be able to access cabs, superstructures, the engine compartment or attachments safely. A robust ladder with a high stability and load-bearing reserve improves safety and the quality of work. The user can work in a more controlled manner, needs to improvise less and can carry tools or small parts more effectively.
Mobile scaffolding and fixed solutions for recurring tasks
Not every task can be carried out effectively using a ladder. For longer jobs, greater heights or recurring maintenance work, mobile scaffolding and fixed ladders are often the better choice. KRAUSE’s mobile scaffolding provides a stable working platform and is suitable, for example, for work on drying plants, silos, conveyor systems, warehouses or livestock buildings. Thanks to their modular design, they can be adapted to different working heights and application scenarios.
Fixed ladders are ideal wherever certain areas need to be accessed on a permanent and regular basis. This applies, for example, to silo facilities, elevated tanks, technical installations on buildings, or permanently installed plant components. With the right equipment, such as back protection, rest platforms or safety systems, such access points can be adapted to the specific conditions. For agricultural businesses, this means less preparation time, clear access routes and greater safety during routine inspection and maintenance work.
Specialised solutions, such as tanker ladders, can also be important in the agricultural sector. They provide safe access to filling points, hatches or inspection openings on tall containers. In places where tankers, containers or technical structures are accessed regularly, they ensure a secure footing and reduce the risk of unsafe climbing.
Safety, efficiency and responsibility go hand in hand
Professional access solutions are more than just a work aid in the agricultural sector. It is part of safe and efficient operational procedures. Using suitable ladders, platforms or scaffolding reduces the need for improvisation, makes routine tasks easier and creates better conditions for employees, family members and external service providers. This pays off particularly during labour-intensive periods, as tasks can then be completed more quickly, in a more controlled manner and with less risk.
In addition, KRAUSE offers inspection and training services. These include regular inspections of access solutions as well as training courses for “authorised persons”. Digital inspection documentation via the KRAUSE partner solution wosatec further reduces the organisational burden, as work equipment is managed digitally, inspection intervals are monitored and inspection results are documented in a traceable manner. This is particularly relevant for businesses, as ladders, folding steps and scaffolding must not only be purchased but also operated safely and documented on an ongoing basis.
Modern agriculture requires modern solutions. Whether it’s an R13 leaning ladder for a slip-resistant footing, mobile platform ladders for maintenance work on large machinery, heavy-duty ladders with a load capacity of up to 225 kg for demanding tasks, or mobile scaffolding for work on buildings and facilities: the key is that the solution is suited to the task. Then access solutions become a practical tool that noticeably improve safety, efficiency and professionalism in everyday agricultural work.