Defender Firefighter Ladder – TYPE 1A

Specifically designed for use by firefighters, the Little Giant Defender offers a number of unique features that cannot be found on just any other ladder. In addition to being designed to fit in the storage space of most fire engines, this lightweight ladder offers the strength and versatility necessary when facing an emergency situation.

Addressing the Needs of Firefighters 

To help meet the unique needs of firefighters, this particular model boasts a number of special features designed with firefighters in mind. For example, this features the Quad-Lock hinge and the Rock Locks rung fasteners, both of which were designed to be easily adjusted even while wearing heavy firefighter gloves. The special high-viz reflective labels and heat-sensor labels also alert firefighters when the ladder has been exposed to too much heat and needs to be taken out of service. The ladder also boasts a lightweight design that makes it easy to transport for rapid response to any situation.

See it in Action

Keeping the Ladder Level 

To assist with keeping the ladder level while responding to an emergency situation, this ladder features the patented dual Ratchet Levelers system. Designed to allow for hands-free adjustments to be made in seconds, the levelers can be easily extended with a foot until it reaches a level, stable setup position. Offering nearly 8.5 inches of leveling adjustment, the ladder can be adapted to any uneven surface in a matter of seconds.

Versatility and Ease of Use

To help meet the needs of any emergency situation, this model can be configured in dozens of different ways. Among these is a 90-degree ladder, an A-frame, an extension ladder and a trestle-and-plank scaffolding system. The ladder also boasts heavy-duty casters to allow for easy and fast transport, while the wide-flared legs and aluminum construction help to increase safety and stability. Capable of being used as a true two-person stepladder, the Little Giant Defender can hold up to 300 pounds on both sides.

Little Giant Ladder Configurations

A-Frame Ladder

With a simple click of the patented hinge, the Little Giant can be used as a traditional A-Frame ladder.

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Staircase Ladder

Because it’s adjustable in one-foot increments, the Little Giant allows one side of the ladder to be extended allowing safe use on uneven surfaces like staircases, curbs or docks.

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90° Ladder

Traditional ladders make working close to walls nearly impossible. With the Little Giant, one adjustment allows you to safely work against any vertical surface.

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Extension Ladder

For large projects the Little Giant easily converts to a stable extension ladder allowing you to reach rooftops, tree limbs and more with ease.

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Scaffolding

Since the Little Giant pulls apart to form two scaffold trestles, you just add the optional work plank (sold separately) and trestle brackets (sold separately) to form a convenient scaffolding system.

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Selected Product Models Model 17 Models Model 22
90-Degree Ladder Yes Yes
A-Frame Max Standing Height 4 ft. 9 in. 6 ft. 7 in.
A-Frame Max. Height 7 ft. 9 ft.
A-Frame Min. Height 4 ft. 5 ft.
ANSI Duty Rating Type IA Type IA
Country of Origin Assembled in the USA Assembled in the USA
Extension Lock System Cast Aluminum Rock Locks® rung fasteners Cast Aluminum Rock Locks® rung fasteners
Extension Max Standing Height 11 ft. 7 in. 15 ft. 6 in.
Extension Max. Height 15 ft. 19 ft.
Extension Min. Height 9 ft. 11 ft.
Feet Co-Molded Snap-On Co-Molded Snap-On
Ladder Weight 39 lbs. 47 lbs.
Material Aluminum Aluminum
Palm & Hinge Lock System Cast Aluminum and Quad-Lock™ Cast Aluminum and Quad-Lock™
Rung Size Double Section 2.75 in. 2.75 in.
Rung Size Single Section Inner: 1.5 in.Outer: 1 in. Inner: 1.5 in.Outer: 1 in.
Scaffolding Position Yes Yes
Shipping Weight 45.5 lbs. 53.5 lbs.
Spreader System Hinge Lock Hinge Locks
Storage Depth 9 in. 9 in.
Storage Height 4 ft. 7 in. 5 ft. 7 in.
Storage Width at Base 2 ft. 2 ft. 3.5 in.
Tip & Glide™ Wheels Yes Yes
Unique Configurations 24 33
Warranty 5 Year 5 Year
Weight Capacity 300 lbs. 300 lbs.