This ladder was the closest thing I could find to one of very similar design bought years ago from Sears by my father-in-law (it is no longer being sold or I would have purchase it - father-in-law won't part with his either!). In comparison with this older Sears ladder: This Hailo 4342-001 ladder is very steady when being used and does provide nice support for your legs. But, the Multifunction tray is a joke - it's way to small to hold much of anything and whatever you do place in this tray is very easily bumped out when you lean against it with your legs. The Sears model was made with a large tool shelf which folded out below and behind the top of the ladder. The listed capacity of 300 pounds is really pushing it. It's made of rather thin walled metal and I question how long the riveted hinge joint is going to last. I weigh 185 and could feel this ladder "settling in" as use it - a 300 pound person probably would not feel so secure on this unit. The Easy to store folding step stool feature is true for being easy to fold but, don't plan on storing the Hailo 4342-001 flat against a wall in the corner - not going to happen - when folded for storage, the top bends way out preventing any "flatness" against a wall. Maybe it's not fair compairing this ladder to the no longer available Sears model, and in all honesty, this Hailo 4342-001 was all I could find that even came close to looking like the Sears unit. For 50.00 it's ok - for 25.00 it'd be better!