Sorry if this has already been discussed but I can’t find the thread.

I’m thinking of purchasing the Goat steep assist tool, for use accessing steep pitched roofs. Has anybody got experience with this tool? If so would you purchase again or use something else?

At $800 it’s quite the investment but it seems useful for what it’ll allow me to do.

https://thegoatsteepassist.com/product/the-deluxe-goat/

I love mine.

I had invested in one last year. I love it for roof access. Doesn't take long to setup or take apart. I think when customers see you set one up and get up on the roof for the inspection, it let's them know you are professional and serious. I would purchase one again after it wears out, if it does.

I was mulling this over as well. I researched quite a bit and requested a price directly from Goat for the compact model. I was quoted $594 with shipping. I have not pulled the trigger on it yet. I have a colleague that uses one and he loves it. I actually get him to do the roof work on some jobs I don't feel comfortable doing. Seems like a great tool.

Thanks for all feeeback. I’m thinking of the 24 ft one, which I guess is the “deluxe”.

Why not buy hooks for a ladder. Less then……
Not osha approved that I found …..
No wear to tie off
Made of plastic……. Not for 700 bucks…not …for me…

I do roof estimates and the GOAT works well on steep roofs. Cougar paw roof shoes are awesome. All it takes is one fall, so be as safe as you can be.

I also have the cougar paw boots, they are a life changer. Worth every penny

I use the goat and like it a lot. I would not get less than 24 feet. I use that length most of the time.

The ridge pro is a good product as well. I use both. The ridge pro is in my truck all the time with life line and harness.

Cougar paws are fantastic.

So are pitch hoppers.

What is the ridge pro?

Essentially the same idea; ridge hook with wheels and grab handles, and 4ft sections.

ridge pro is a ridge hook that is pushed over the roof ridge via a pole. There is a rope attached to it that you attach to a fall protection vest. With the Ridge Pro you're always attached. Both have their respective places.

TNADC described it well

Thanks

I have looked at both extensively. The Goat is quick and easy, however, the Ridge Pro keeps you attached all the time. You may swing like a pinata if you have a ladder mishap but you (probably) will not hit the ground.

I wouldn't want to swing on it if it's not screwed down. That being said, I am not always good at doing that. It's important to have the pitch set properly and not pull upwards on it as you get closer to the peak, or it will lift off. Downward pressure is key.

Both products have their place. The ridge pro is small enough to keep in the truck all the time, so I don't take unnecessary risks. One thing I discovered is using a cylindrical telescoping pole can cause the pole sections to spin, instead of rotating the ridge pro on or off the peak. I am looking to replace the pole pictured with an oval pole or another that is either pentagon or octagon shape.

You can't see the ridge pro in the picture, but the life line is attached to it. I like to have the ladder secured to the gutter, but the leaf guard prevented it. If you don't have pitch hoppers you are missing out. I decided to up my safety game in 2025 and be more osha compliant!

Safety on this job:

Ladder with 3 feet above the roof line
Bottom of ladder was staked (top not secured)
GOAT
Pitch Hoppers
Ridge Pro with life line
Harness (not pictured)
Cougar Paws (not pictured)

Though it's not safety, but I try to use all the time now. . . the gutter protector (pivit ladder tool). Gutters are now made of plastic and light weight aluminum. I found out the hard way.

The above was bought over time, as it is expensive. My roof and ladder motto- No wheelchairs or coffins at the end of the job.