Pole Type Summary

Aluminium Telescopic Poles
These were the first type of poles used for WFP window cleaning. These type of pole are available in sizes from 4ft right up to 83ft (special order from Tucker, three man pole, with anchorman on roof) These type of poles can be bought from Tucker, Omnipole and Brodex. (We are not referring to converted squeegee poles (Unger etc) as these are usually not robust, stiff or as usable as purpose made poles.)

The advantages of these types of poles are that they are usually well built with robust sections and have the ability to add extra sections at a later time.

The disadvantages of these poles are that they have more flexibility than carbon fibre poles and they are heavier. They also can have difficult to operate twist clamps.

Work Suitability Rating: (out of 10)

Domestic 7

Commercial 5

High Level 5

Carbon Fibre Telescopic Poles
These are some of the best poles available for WFP window cleaning. These types of pole are available in sizes from 20ft right up to 60ft. Some popular makes are SL-X, Super-Max, X-Tel, Facelift, Ergolite and Hydra.

The advantages of these types of poles are that they are usually well built with stiffer sections than on Glass Fibre or Aluminium poles. They usually are slightly lighter as well. They have good ease of use with quick release clamps.

The disadvantages of these poles are that they are usually the most expensive to buy, the sections can wear out quicker than Aluminium and on the taller poles (40-60ft) the sections can be too long to reach for the average worker. Some of these poles come with 8-12ft long sections making them unwieldy.

Work Suitability Rating: (out of 10)

Domestic 6

Commercial 9

High Level 8

Screw Section Modular Poles
These poles offer a 'one pole for every job' type approach for WFP window cleaning. These types of pole are available in sizes from 6ft right up to 45ft. Two popular makes are the Unger Carbon Tec and the Carbonized.

The advantages of these types of poles are that they are usually well built with stiffer sections than on Glass Fibre or Aluminium poles. It is easy to add to a pole after purchase to increase the reach. The sections are easy to reach to take off. You only ever work with the weight of pole you actually need for the height.

The disadvantages of these poles are that they are relatively expensive to buy. They are heavy and can be fiddly to use, as the water feed section has to be removed to make any height adjustments to the pole.

Work Suitability Rating: (out of 10)

Domestic 4

Commercial 7

High Level 6

Lightweight Push-Fit Modular Poles
These poles offer a 'one pole for every job' type approach for WFP window cleaning. These types of pole are available in sizes from 6ft right up to 60ft. One popular make is the Super-Lite.

The advantages of these types of poles are that they are very light and stiff to use. The pole can easily be added to after purchase to increase reach. They are also cheaper than many other similar height poles. It is easy to reach the joints to take sections off even at 60ft. You only ever work with the weight of pole you actually need for the height.

The disadvantages of these poles are that they are not telescopic and need to be used in accordance with the approved operating method.

Work Suitability Rating: (out of 10)

Domestic 2

Commercial 9

High Level 9

WFP Info Resource | Pole and Connector Type Summary | Pole Type Summary