Cherry pickers are incredibly useful tools on construction sites and warehouses, but did you know they were originally developed for use in orchards, where they were used to pick fruit — which is where we get the colourful name “cherry picker.”
These days you’ll find cherry pickers everywhere, from the farm to the malls to the factory, and for good reason. This versatile lift provides a safe and effective way of lifting workers up to various heights. But before you hire or buy one, there are a few key questions to consider to make sure you choose the right cherry picker for your project.
How does a cherry picker work?
A cherry picker uses a hydraulic crane to lift a long, extendible arm or boom and bucket. A worker can safely stand within the bucket of the cherry picker and be hoisted up the required height to perform various functions.
Advantages of cherry pickers over scaffolding and ladders
Saves time
Cherry pickers save a great deal of time when compared with the time taken to erect scaffolding. The hydraulic lifting system takes workers up and down within seconds, ensuring jobs get done quicker.
Mobile and adaptable
Using a cherry picker also allows you to be more mobile and adaptable. If you erect scaffolding you have a very limited work area that is within arm’s reach of the top of the scaffolding platform. With a cherry picker, you can quickly and easily move around to various positions.
Cost-effective
Cherry pickers are very cost-effective when you consider that they can easily be hired for the period you require. You can hire a unit to your exact specifications, allowing you to get the height you need.
How high do cherry pickers go?
Cherry pickers reach heights of between 10 and 57 meters. With such a wide variety of boom lifts available, you’ll find one to suit your needs.
Questions to Consider When Choosing a Cherry Picker
If you’re considering hiring a cherry picker, also known as a boom lift, for an upcoming project, you may be wondering which cherry picker will suit your needs. We’ve outlined the main types of cherry pickers available and their key benefits, broken down by the questions that matter most when choosing.
1. Will you be working in a confined or indoor Space?
Mast Booms and Electric Boom Lifts are very versatile in confined areas. They have a reach of between 10 and 20 meters and a tight turning radius. Because they are electric, they are quiet and don’t emit fumes. These cherry pickers are therefore ideal for indoor use in shopping centres, small warehouses and building maintenance.
2. Do you need something rugged for rough terrain or construction sites?
These 4×4-type diesel articulated booms are more rugged and can be used on rough roads and construction sites. These cherry pickers have a boom reach of between 12m and 43m.
3. Do you need to reach over obstacles?
These Diesel telescopic boom lifts, also known as cherry pickers, offer great reach and can stretch out over obstacles. They offer an impressive working height of 22m to 57m and the ability to move easily over rough terrain. You’ll find these cherry pickers used to perform building maintenance projects, construction projects and roofing and cladding
4. Do you need maximum height for large-scale projects?
These Super boom lifts, also known as cherry pickers, have working heights of between 43m and 57m, and yet are surprisingly compact to transport. These units are great for bridges, stadiums, power stations, wind farms and tall buildings.
5. Are you working on narrow, sloped, or uneven surfaces?
Crawlers are also known as spider cherry pickers. These booms reach between 15 and 36m. The self-levelling outriggers stabilise the unit on sloped or even stepped work areas. They can access tight spots but then extend their outriggers for more support. Crawlers are ideal for narrow access work areas and uneven surfaces.
6. Is your site constantly on the move?
If your site is constantly on the move, a trailer-mounted boom provides an easy solution. These towable cherry pickers can be used indoors and outdoors and are perfect for weight-restricted, uneven and sensitive floor areas.
Where to buy or Hire a cherry picker?
If you’re looking for cherry picker rates and hire costs, call Concord Access Solutions for a comprehensive quote. We’ll help you with the expert advice you need so that you hire or buy the right cherry picker for your needs.