Amstel D36 User manual

IMPORTANT
Strong springs aid the operation of these ladders! Care must be exercised during
installation and operation so these springs are not released in an uncontrolled manner as
this could lead to damage to the ladder and personal injury to the operator/installer.
These instructions are not intended to be a complete lesson in the installing of attic
ladders but a procedural guide to competent tradespeople or DIYers.
TOOLS REQUIRED
The timbertight screws supplied with this ladder require a 5/16” socket for easy
installation. This can be used with a 9 volt (or stronger) battery drill or a standard power
drill. Apart from this, only standard carpentry tools are required.
CHOOSING THE LOCATION
When choosing the location for the installation of the attic ladder, a compromise
possible in relation to the roof structure may be required. The considerations for this
compromise are:
• Choose a location that will give good head room at the top of the ladder;
• Choose a location with good access at the bottom of the ladder;
• Choose a location that will allow for movement around the ladder when in the down
position;
• Allowance must be made for the operation of the ladder, as it requires a greater
Model Required Opening Landing space Projection
D36 1440mm x 650mm 2050mm 2040mm
• The area for the opening must be clear of wiring, plumbing and structural members
such as beams and trusses with a minimum clear height above the ceiling of
PREPARING THE OPENING
1. Mark out on the ceiling the opening required in the selected position. Cut out the
ceiling lining ensuring that the opening is square.
2. Using timber of a compatible size to the existing ceiling framing (ie 90 x 45 or 140
x 45 H1.2 treated, machine gauged radiata pine), frame up the opening. It may
be necessary to cut through some existing ceiling joists to achieve the required
size. Ensure these are properly supported during and after cutting. Three possible
3. Do not cut trusses without engineering approval.
ATTIC
LADDERS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
D36
500mm
Landing Space
Projection

PREPARING THE LADDER
1. Remove the ladder from its packaging and place it lid down on a bench or saw stool.
The lid is less likely to get damaged there than laying it on the ground, as well as
being better for your back!
now as it is easier than later, when the unit is in the ceiling.
3. Turn the ladder over so the lid is facing up. Fit the screw eye 100mm in from the
4. The D36 stair requires some assembly before installation:
To enable ease of transport the arms of the D36 attic ladder are dissembled before
packing and need to be joined together again before the stair is installed.
To assemble arms:
a) Fold out the arm with the wire attached. Ensure the end of the wire is securely
engaged in notch.
b) Attach the chain to the spring using the link in the chain that is nearest the spring
Make sure the wire stays in the groove running round the edge of the banjo stay.
c) Fold out the arm with the bolt, washers and nut attached. Remove the nut and
feed the bolt through the 8mm hole in the end of the arm with the wire attached
making sure one washer is between the arms and the other washer is next to the
nylok nut (Figure 7). There is now some tension on the spring.
d) The arm with the wire must be on the outside.
e) Tighten the nut and the release half a turn so the arms will move easilly.
Repeat on the other side. These moving joints may require lubricating periodiocally.
INSTALLING THE LADDER
1. Screw four temporary cleats approx 80mm x 40mm into your timber frame
Note: If the ladder is to be installed before the ceiling lining is in place, the cleats
must be packed down the thickness of the intended ceiling lining.
2. Lift the ladder through the opening into the attic space. Then lower down squarely
into the opening so the lid of the ladder rests on the temporary cleats. This is
normally best done from below. For safety and ease it is highly recommended that
two people complete this step. Rotate the cleats off the lid and onto the frame of the
ladder.
further. Adjust if necessary. The ladder must not be allowed to fall, as this could
cause serious physical injury.
4. Carefully open the ladder, checking that the frame remains securely on the cleats.
Adjust if necessary. .
6. Carefully close the ladder and check if square. Wedges or packers may be needed
at one side of the hinge strip to square the unit in the opening. This may require
reopening the ladder and loosening or tightening one of the screws a little.
Washer

?
ADJUSTING THE LADDER HEIGHT
1. With the top and middle sections of the ladder open and the bottom section tucked
2.
to the front of each side of the bottom section of the ladder. Mark the cut off back
from these points at the same angle as the treads.
3. Important: Cut the front corners back 25mm - this can make the ladder easier to
close and can also prevent damage to the ladder if dropped during opening
FINISHING THE LADDER
1.
2. On the second section of the ladder, measure to the mid-point of the bottom tread.
ladder upon opening it.
underside of the ceiling lining. An architrave will cover the gap between the ladder frame
Optional: If the ladder is to be installed as the house is being built and before the ceiling
25mm
7. With the ladder open, pre-drill two 6mm holes in each side of the attic ladder frame
making sure there is solid timber behind. Screw through the pre-drilled holes into the
8. Remove temporary cleats.
9. Carefully close the ladder and check that the ladder frame is showing around the
frame and the ceiling frame. Make sure the sides stay plumb and straight.
10. Now tighten all screws and check again.

HOW TO LOOK AFTER & USE YOUR SELLWOOD ATTIC LADDER
1. Before climbing, make sure the ladder is fully extended and that there
are no gaps between the ladder sections.
2. If your attic ladder has not been installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions your warranty may be void.
3. Lubricate all pivot points on your attic ladder at least once a year.
If your attic ladder is used more than three times a week, lubricate
every 4-5 months.
4. Face the ladder when you are climbing up and down.
5. Do not leave young children unattended while ladder is folded down.
6. If you have any concerns about your Sellwood attic ladder, or it is
damaged in any way please call 0800 288 427.
GapNo Gap
No Gap
Too Short Too Long
Gap
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www.amstelatticstorage.com.au