Scissor Lifts Vs Cherry Pickers -Comparing Construction Access Equipment

When it comes to selecting the right construction access equipment for your project, understanding the difference between scissor lifts and cherry pickers can aid you in making the best choice for your task needs. Often these machines’ unique capabilities can get mixed up even though both are designed to elevate workers and tools to various heights.

In this article, we are going to explore the key differences between each of these machines, discuss their advantages and provide you with a checklist to help you quickly choose the right construction access equipment to get the job done.

Understanding Scissor Lifts

A scissor lift is a classification of manlift or elevated working platform, designed to elevate workers and their tools height ranges from around 6-10m. Their platforms rise and fall hydraulic cylinders that are structured in a crisscross pattern. Hence the name Scissor Lift.

Scissor lifts are used for a wide range of applications such as indoor ceiling work, hanging signage, building maintenance and repairs, warehouse tasks and recording and filming events. Here are some key features and benefits of this type of construction project equipment.

Key Features and Benefits

Vertical Lift: Scissor lifts provide stable and direct vertical elevation, making them ideal for tasks that require height without horizontal outreach.

Platform Size: They often come with larger extendable platforms, allowing multiple workers to use them simultaneously or accommodate more tools and materials.

Load Capacity: Scissor lifts generally have a higher load capacity compared to cherry pickers, making them suitable for lifting heavy materials.

Ease of Use: They are simple to operate and manoeuvre within confined spaces.

Electrical Tool Support: Most scissor lift manufacturers install tool power support in the basket of the machine to avoid hanging cables whilst working

Safety: Equipped with guardrails and safety features, scissor lifts provide a secure working environment at height.

As highlighted, scissor lifts are undeniably a crucial piece of construction access equipment. Their ease of use and heavy-lifting capabilities are certainly desirable for many operators looking to hire access equipment for conducting work at height.

Understanding Cherry Pickers 

Cherry Pickers, also known as boom lifts, are a type of aerial lift designed to raise workers on-site vertically, as well as horizontally. This high-reach equipment consists of a hydraulic foldable boom, a small basket, hydraulic outriggers, and is mounted on a type of portable chassis.

These highly efficient machines are available in a range of designs to suit your construction site equipment needs. They are very popular for all indoor and outdoor tasks that involve working at heights such as steel frame construction, tree surgery and building maintenance.

Key Features and Benefits

Reach and Flexibility: Cherry pickers can extend upwards and outwards, providing access to hard-to-reach areas that are not directly below the lift.

Articulating Arms: Many models feature articulating arms that can bend and extend around obstacles, offering greater flexibility in positioning.

Compact Base: Despite their extensive reach, cherry pickers have a compact base, making them suitable for navigating tight spaces. Some designs also support indoor work.

Power options: Modern cherry pickers offer a hybrid power system making them highly versatile depending on their working environment.

Suitable for uneven ground: Boom lifts are equipment with out-riggers which enhance the stability of the cherry picker, making them suitable for uneven ground.

As these benefits suggest, cherry pickers are an ideal rental solution for many indoor and outdoor tasks. Furthermore, their ability to work on uneven ground and work around obstacles provides the additional flexibility some require in an aerial platform.

Choosing the right access equipment checklist- Scissor Lifts Vs Cherry Pickers

To determine which type of access equipment is the right fit for your aerial task, consider the following points.

Height and reach

Asses the height and horizontal reach you require from your equipment. Where scissor lifts are ideal for vertical reach, you may need to consider cherry pickers are a better choice for tasks that require a larger outreach.

Space and accessibility

By addressing the space accessibility of your task, you’ll be able to evaluate the constraints of your site. Scissor lifts are ideal for tight indoor work, whereas cherry pickers excel in navigating around obstacles that could be in the way of reaching your working area.

Load Capacity

If you are working with heavy materials, you should consider the load capacity of the equipment you are using. Scissor lifts offer a great load capacity as their buckets always sit directly below their chassis. Cherry pickers offer lower lifting capacity but are ideal for a single operator.

Terrain

It is vital to assess the ground conditions when considering your construction site equipment needs. Cherry pickers are ideal for uneven ground, whereas scissor lifts suit smooth, flat surfaces.

Power options

In some instances, the power of your machinery is vital to conducting the task you have at hand. Most cherry pickers are diesel/hybrid powered, which is ideal for working off the grid. Whereas scissor lifts require charging in between uses.

Below is a copy of a checklist to help remind you of the considerations you should make when assessing whether a scissor lift or cherry picker is suitable for your task.

Top 5 safety tips for operating access equipment on construction sites. Scissor Lifts Vs Cherry Pickers

Ensuring safety while operating scissor lifts on construction sites is vital. Therefore, to help, here are the top 5 safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Daily Pre-Operational Checks

Always perform a thorough inspection before using your elevated working platform. Check for any visible damage, hydraulic system issues, tyre condition, control mechanisms and safety devices, such as guardrails and harness points. Address any and log any problems immediately to ensure safe operation.

2. Ensure Proper Training

Whilst a licence is not required to hire a scissor or boom lift, only trained and certified personnel should operate them on-site. Operators should be competent with the equipment’s functions, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All workers using construction access equipment should wear suitable PPE that is outlined in the operator’s manual. This may include hard hats, safety harnesses, and safety boots. If a harness is required, ensure it is securely attached to designated anchor points to prevent falls and enhance safety.

4. Adhere to Load Capacity Guidelines

Do not exceed the load capacity of the equipment. During your equipment assessment, consider the combined weight of workers, tools, and materials that you aim you use. Overloading can compromise the lift’s stability and increase the risk of tipping over.

5. Stabilize the Lift on Level Ground

Position the access equipment on a stable, level surface before operation. Use the equipment outriggers and stabilizers to enhance stability. Avoid operating any construction access equipment on a gradient more the 6 degrees. If you are ever unsure, speak to your rental supplier.

By adhering to these top 5 safety tips whilst using either a scissor lift or cherry picker, site operators can significantly reduce the risks of accidents occurring whilst using this equipment.

Comparing Scissor Lifts Vs Cherry Pickers- Conclusion

Choosing the right access equipment—whether a scissor lift or a cherry picker—can greatly impact the efficiency and safety of your construction project. Understanding their distinct features and benefits allows you to make an informed decision tailored to your specific task. Overall, scissor lifts excel in vertical reach and load capacity, while cherry pickers offer flexibility with both vertical and horizontal outreach, making them suitable for a variety of challenging conditions.

At WHC Hire Services, we provide a range of high-quality scissor lifts and cherry pickers designed to meet the demands of your projects. Explore our access solutions online to find the perfect equipment for your needs, or contact us directly to arrange hire and discuss how we can support your construction efforts with reliable and well-maintained machinery.