Top 5 Cherry Picker Uses: Maximising Working At Height
Cherry pickers go by many names. Boom lifts, aerial platforms, EWPS (elevated working platforms), and so the list continues with further innovation. Primarily these machines are designed to elevate workers safely off the ground to conduct tasks in hard-to-reach places. Since being initially developed for working on orchards, they have become a firm favourite for a variety of applications.
In this resource, we’re going to explore the top 5 cherry picker uses to date, the benefits they offer and the things you need to know to hire one. If you are planning to ramp up your safety and productivity when it comes to working at height, then a cherry picker might be the answer you are looking for.
Popular Cherry Picker Uses
Even though cherry pickers are utilised across multiple industries, here are the top 5 most popular uses for them:
1. Building/Construction
Cherry pickers are a far more advanced alternative to ladders and scaffolding. With the ability to hold operators and tools, these access platforms make it easy to conduct tasks at height. They are often used while constructing roofs, steel-framed buildings and for general building maintenance.
2. Tree Maintenance
Another common use for a cherry picker is to conduct tree maintenance. Arborists and landscapers benefit from these machines when it comes to tree reductions and removals. Their high levels of manoeuvrability provide higher levels of safety than traditional climbing methods. Using a cherry picker is highly advantageous when removing snags.
3. Warehouses
Operational in or outdoors, boom lifts allow maintenance at height to take place within warehouses. An example of this is to conduct electrical work, or alternatively, for picking and packing. Their versatility and manoeuvrability allow them to reach tight places that operators would otherwise struggle to reach.
4. Event/ Film Production
Event/film production companies heavily rely on cherry pickers to erect and disassemble large temporary structures like stages, audio towers and more. This type of access equipment speeds up the entire process which is vital when working to a set deadline. It is often that during a film production, boom lifts can be used to achieve unique perspectives.
5. Signage installation
Cherry pickers are finally a popular choice for signage installation. Install/replace existing signage on buildings, boards and highways with easy access from the basket of stable access platform. This overall helps speed up the process and minimise downtime.
While these are just a few examples of cherry picker uses, these machines’ versatility and height-reach capabilities make them invaluable across numerous industries that require working at elevated heights. Let’s now highlight all the benefits of using a cherry picker.
Benefits Of Using A Cherry Picker
Cherry pickers offer workers a huge amount of benefits when facing tasks that require working at height. These are as follows:
Fast and easy to set up
Cherry pickers are fast and easy to set up, meaning you can boost your productivity when conducting any work at height. Ultimately this is ideal if your task is time sensitive. Setting up and lowering takes only a few minutes, which is much faster and less labour-intensive than erecting an entire scaffold.
Range of height options
Most access platforms will be available in a range of different sizes to suit your task. This means you can avoid overspending on machinery for your project. It’s always worth noting the maximum and working outreach you require before selecting your equipment.
Easily manoeuvrable
Cherry pickers are easily manoeuvrable and capable of working both in and outdoors. This allows operators to boost their efficiency by being able to easily position the equipment as close as possible to the working area.
Towable options
Most cherry pickers are easily transported, with towable models now available on the market. This means that operators can transport the machinery themselves providing further flexibility to their outfit.
Flexible & Versatile
Boom lifts are highly flexible and versatile allowing access to hard-to-reach places across a wide range of industries. Additionally, access equipment like this can be used to conduct a wide range of tasks safely.
Less Obstructive
Unlike scaffolding, a cherry picker is far less obstructive and can be manoeuvred in minutes if required. Therefore, unlike temporary structures, they provide a far more flexible solution to working at height.
Tool Support
Most cherry pickers will offer electrical tool support from their baskets. This reduces hanging wires and potential trip hazards for groundsmen.
As we’ve discovered, there are range of benefits to cherry picker use. All of which can increase efficiency, productivity and safety when working at height. If you are thinking of using a cherry-picker for your next task, here are some points to consider.
Points To Consider With Cherry-Picker Hire
Using a cherry picker for your working at-height tasks will undoubtedly increase your overall productivity and safety. Nevertheless, before acquiring machinery like this, there are a few considerations you should make before going ahead. Whether you are a tree surgeon or roofing team, you should always make sure that the equipment is suitable for the task at hand.
Rise and reach
Firstly, be aware of the rise and reach you need the equipment to provide. The height of a cherry picker is generally measured from the ground to the highest vertical point it can rise. To guarantee the correct machine size, always use the basket base measurement rather than the overall height, which on some equipment will include the operator’s reach. You’ll find information on this in the specification of the access equipment.
Additionally, you need to account for the reach of the cherry picker. Even though they offer ample rise, some designs may not provide the reach you need. Reach is measured from the centre of the equipment sideways at full boom extension. The height of the boom reach will be limited to the machine specifications and bucket weight. For some tasks, this is essential to be able to work up and over obstacles that could be in your way.
Indoor or outdoor work
Your working environment is also essential to consider. The ground surface and gradient are essential to note as not all cherry pickers can operate on slopes of more than 6 degrees. For outdoor work, you should also be mindful of the type of terrain you plan to work from. Garden lawns, compacted stone and driveways will all offer a variety of challenges to consider.
If you are hiring a cherry picker for indoor work, you may need to consider the power type of the boom lift. Not all access lifts offer a zero-emissions option. However, it is common to find a hybrid-style machine that can work in a wide range of environments. When working inside, you should also check the measurements of the narrowest space to ensure the machinery will fit.
Do you need a licence to hire a cherry picker?
If you are considering hiring a cherry-picker for your task, the great news is that you currently do not require an operator’s licence to obtain one. However, under current government legislation, you are required to hold a recognised IPAF or NPORS licence to operate the equipment commercially. Additionally, you must be over the age of 18 and hold a full UK driver’s licence.
If you are looking for boom lift, scissor, or MEWP (mobile elevated work platform) training in the UK, we’d highly recommend Vally Plant Training in Tewksbury for all your operator safety needs.
Working permits
If you are working in a public area with a cherry picker, the chances are that you might require a permit to do so. The cost of a permit differs from council to council and can take some time to be issued. Therefore, it is vital that you arrange your hire and permits in good time. Always converse with your local governing body to ensure compliance.
If you are working on private ground, e.g., building site, garden, driveway etc, you should always communicate with the owners or site managers, to inform them of the equipment you will be using to complete the appointed task. This will allow for sufficient planning to take place prior to the equipment’s arrival.
Types of transport for a cherry picker
The final consideration is how is the access equipment going to be transported. Not all boom or scissor lifts are suitable for everyone to transport. However, despite this, some access lifts are small enough to fit on a small trailer or be towed behind a suitable vehicle.
If you are ever unsure, you should speak to your access equipment hire supplier to discuss suitable working-at-height equipment for your task. Most hire companies will offer a range of different options to suit your specific needs.
Top 5 Cherry Picker Uses- Conclusion
In this article, we’ve dived into the top applications for a cherry picker, identified the benefits that they offer and potential considerations you should make before hiring one. Getting the correct working-at-height equipment for the job is essential to avoid delays, comply with safety regulations and avoid any nasty accidents.
At WHC Hire Services, we offer an extensive selection of access equipment perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects. Whether you need a towable cherry picker for reaching high outdoor areas or an electric scissor lift for smooth indoor operations, our comprehensive catalogue has the right tools to help you complete your job quickly and safely. Explore our boom and scissor lift options here, or call us at 01684 377977 to arrange your hire today! Let us elevate your next project with our top-tier access solutions.