Looking for the perfect cherry picker, or boom lift, for your work-from-height task? In this guide, we’ll unpack the different types of boom lifts available and show you how to select the right one for your projects, considering everything from height to outreach length and platform width to fuel type.
What is a Cherry Picker?
A cherry picker is commonly used to help people reach up and over obstacles safely when working at height. They are designed with an extendable boom (hence the name ‘boom lift’), which is lifted by a hydraulic crane.
This telescopic arm is attached to the cherry picker’s bucket, known as a jib, where professionals operate the platform. As the boom lift’s arm is elevated, the bucket is also lifted, allowing the operator to reach awkward spaces or heights carefully.
Why is it called a Cherry Picker?
Cherry pickers were originally created to pick fruits such as cherries from trees, so they were made with such high reach and manoeuvrability.
What are the Different Types of Cherry Pickers?
With several different types of cherry pickers available to choose from, you’ll need to know what extendable boom arm best suits your job. There’s no ‘one size fits all’:
- Telescopic booms, also known as stick booms, have straight arms, which are great for reaching impressive heights. An example of a stick boom would be the Genie S65.
- Articulating booms have a knuckle, allowing them to lift up and over, which is ideal for getting to awkward spaces. The Niftylift HR21 and Haulotte HA12 IP would fall under this category.
- Spider lifts, sometimes called crawler lifts, have up-and-over reach capability for tricky, hard-to-reach spots. Their more compact size makes them great for indoor applications, though they are also known to perform excellently on challenging terrain thanks to their use of outriggers.
- Mast booms allow the operator to move up and down in a vertical direction. They’re an ideal choice for more confined spaces at lower heights. The Haulotte Star 10, Dingli AMWP11.5-8100 and JLG Toucan 10E are examples of mast lifts.
What is the Difference Between a Boom Lift and a Cherry Picker?
There are no major differences between a boom lift vs. cherry picker and the two terms are often interchangeable. They both feature a bucket allowing the operator to work safely and securely at height, which is connected to an extendable arm.
Often boom lifts are self-propelled, allowing them to move around when raised, whereas cherry pickers are often towed between locations and can’t be moved once elevated. In spite of the slight differences between booms and cherry pickers, operators should be trained on how to safely and effectively operate the platforms.
Should You Use a Cherry Picker or Scissor Lift?
The answer to this depends on several factors relating to your work, and for more detailed help with choosing the right machinery, see our ‘how to choose the right cherry picker’ section below. However, it is first-important to know the differences between scissor lifts and boom lifts, and when should you use one or the other.
Scissor lifts operate vertically, designed to be driven at a safe height. This allows the operator to get close to the working area directly. They typically also have a larger platform, so multiple workers can be lifted simultaneously, along with the necessary tools and materials.
Compared to scissor lifts, a cherry picker has a much greater working height, thanks to the outreach of its extendable arm, making them more suitable for accessing hard-to-reach places at height – especially with an articulating boom lift, as the boom can be manoeuvred around objects.
If you are unsure whether to use a scissor lift or cherry picker, or just need a second opinion, call our team, we’re more than happy to help. Alternatively, see our guide to choosing a scissor lift for further guidance if this sounds like the MEWP option for you.
When to use a cherry picker
You should choose a cherry picker if you are looking for a powered access platform with a higher outreach capability. An abundance of different MEWPs carry their own distinct advantages, but cherry pickers are most likely to be used if you need to safely reach awkward spaces or access a higher level.
What Are the Benefits of Cherry Pickers?
Still trying to decide if a cherry picker is the right choice for you? Discover their benefits:
- In some cases, they have a higher outreach capability than other types of MEWPs – over 19m.
- They’re flexible and versatile, reaching various heights and awkward spaces.
- They’re adaptable. Self-propelled boom lifts can be driven while elevated, and the arm can reach various spaces, so you don’t have to reposition your MEWP to carry out the work.
- Boom lifts are time-efficient. Avoid wasting time repositioning your access platform – use a platform that can reach tricky spots instead.
- Guardrails offer increased safety, which is particularly important when working at height.
- Their versatility allows professionals to work at height indoors or outdoors, on rough terrain or in those hard to reach places.
- Compared to scaffolding, a MEWP, such as a cherry picker, is much easier and quicker to arrange and set up. This saves time and labour costs.
Discover our cherry pickers vs scaffolding guide for further help deciding which is best for your project, or speak with our team.
How To Choose the Right Cherry Picker
There are several different types of cherry picker and boom lifts available for hire. To help when selecting your cherry picker, ask yourself the following:
- How high is the area I want to access?
- Will I be using my cherry picker inside or outside?
- Will I be operating the cherry picker on rough terrain?
- What power source is available?
- How heavy is the equipment I’m planning to use?
- Does the MEWP need to be mobile?
- How narrow or restricted is the space I need to access?
- Is horizontal and vertical reach required?
Different cherry pickers are manufactured to suit specific requirements, so you should consult a powered access platform expert like Horizon Platforms before hiring or buying your cherry picker.
You can also use our helpful Platform Finder Tool to match you with the perfect boom. Alternatively, contact us and we’ll help you pick the right machine.
What Cherry Picker Size is Right For Me?
To choose the right size cherry picker, consider how high you need to reach. From here, you can calculate the correct working height.
Every cherry picker will have a maximum reach, so you should never select a cherry picker that won’t comfortably reach the height you need to work at. It’s incredibly unsafe to overreach or try to push the cherry picker beyond its limits, so never underestimate the reach you need.
If you need an articulated boom lift, estimate the sideways outreach required to ensure the operator is always in a comfortable working position. Likewise, consider the weight of the people, tools and equipment necessary for the job. Exceed the safe working load, and you’ll encounter issues.
How High Does A Cherry Picker Go?
At Horizon Platforms, we offer a range of cherry pickers for hire. From cherry pickers with a working height of over 30m (100ft) to an outreach of over 19m (62ft), you’re bound to find the right cherry picker size to suit your job. If ever unsure, we’d prefer you speak with us for free advice rather than taking any risks.
What Fuel Should a Cherry Picker Use?
Within our cherry picker fleet, we have various fuel options, including diesel, electric and bi-fuel.
- Diesel cherry pickers are useful in outdoor environments where there aren’t charging ports for electricity. With some hybrid charry pickers, however, you have the option to charge your battery indoors while operating your boom on diesel fuel outside.
- Electric battery-powered cherry pickers, on the other hand, are ideal for companies with sustainability-focused ESG goals due to their efficiency and limited carbon emissions. They’re also excellent for noise-controlled environments as they are significantly quieter than diesel-powered MEWPs.
If you are looking to prioritise sustainability in your MEWP work, see our helpful tips for sustainable cherry picker hire and MEWP battery maintenance advice.
Who Can Operate a Cherry Picker?
You must be over 18 years old, and have had suitable training to operate a MEWP, including all types of cherry picker. Suitable qualifications include the IPAF 3B mobile boom training course or a combined static and mobile boom operator course.
It is a legal requirement that employers ensure people working at height are competent and trained to do so.
What Cherry Picker Training Do I Need?
Taking part in certified training courses is the most effective way to ensure an operator uses a cherry picker correctly and safely. IPAF training provides the industry standard qualification for powered access platforms, so all operators should ensure they undertake the correct training for the access platform they wish to operate to avoid common MEWP accidents.
Following training, a Powered Access Licence (PAL) card will be issued, which demonstrates the type of access platform the operator is qualified to operate. These cards are valid for five years, with the option to renew your IPAF training before the expiration date.
The licence required for self-propelled booms is 3b, and for static booms, including spider, towable and truck/van mounted booms, it’s the IPAF 1b course. However, we also offer combined MEWP courses that allow you to gain a licence for various access platform types.
Safety Considerations for Hiring a Cherry Picker
Before using your cherry picker, consider any potential risks and put control measures in place to minimise these, as part of site and health and safety risk assessments.
Falling Objects
Consider, for example, whether falling objects could be an issue or whether overhead cables could be hazardous. As cherry pickers are often used to access challenging spaces, you should also be aware of any nearby obstacles that could increase the chance of an accident.
Pre-Use Inspections
Whether you hire, contract hire or buy your cherry picker, you should always conduct a MEWP pre-use inspection. This will help to familiarise all operators with the machine while identifying any potential problems or faults. Remember – as part of PUWER (1998); it’s the user’s as well as the hirer’s responsibility to ensure all MEWPs are in good working order, maintained and repaired ahead of operation.
Use A Fall Arrest System
It’s recommended that operators use a fall arrest system when using a cherry picker to prevent falls from height. Wearing a harness at height can be a lifesaver and, as such, understanding how to use and inspect harnesses safely should be a priority for any cherry picker operator.
For more key MEWP rules, see our list of key work-from-height health and safety rules you didn’t know you were breaking.
Should I Hire or Buy a Cherry Picker?
With lower upfront costs, or zero upfront costs when hiring with a credit account, and maintenance and servicing accounted for, hiring a cherry picker could be the most cost-effective and efficient option for many businesses.
Unless you use a MEWP daily or weekly on one site, have the appropriate storage facilities onsite, and have an internal or outsourced solution for the service and maintenance of your machines, we recommend hiring your cherry picker. Otherwise, buying an access platform will be the most appropriate solutions.
Not only do you get a choice between a vast selection of boom lifts, but you also have complete peace of mind that when hiring MEWPS from a reputable supplier, the machine is fully operational, safe to use, and compliant with industry regulations.
There are many benefits of hiring a powered access platform and, thanks to Horizon Platforms, the process has never been easier. We pride ourselves on providing fast, reliable delivery, that is underpinned by our accreditations and 8 service level commitments.
Simply let us know what equipment you need, and we’ll deliver it the same (within 4 hours when hiring our core machines) or next day, so you can get started on your job in no time. It’s never been simpler to select the right cherry picker. Just contact our friendly team to let us know your requirements and we’ll help you every step of the way. Alternatively, if you’re still considering purchasing outright, our guide on hiring vs. buying access platforms can help you make your decision.
Choosing a Reputable Cherry Picker Provider
Horizon Platforms provides access to over 16,000 platforms nationwide, via a fast and reliable hire service. We make your hire experience straightforward and stress free. Here are just ten reasons why you should choose Horizon Platforms when hiring your next cherry-picker:
1. An Extensive Fleet To Choose From
We provide access to over 16,000 platforms nationwide and only ever supply quality and reliable machines from leading manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for a cherry picker, personnel lift, scissor lift or more, you can rely on us to find the right machine for your project.
2. Competitive Powered Access Hire Rates
Whether you’re looking for types of cherry picker to rent per day, over a week or long-term, we offer competitive rates for a premium service that is focused on helping you hit your goals and timelines stress free.
3. Fast, Reliable Delivery
As one of the nation’s leading MEWP specialists, we pride ourselves on fast, efficient delivery of your cherry picker. With 98% of all UK-wide deliveries arriving on time, we guarantee you get your MEWP without disruption.
When hiring from our core fleet we can even deliver within 4 hours. But, if there ever is an unacceptable delay, we’ll credit your delivery charge.
4. Flexible Rental Terms And Payment Plans
Our flexible rental terms allow you to hire per day, week or project, with long-term hire also available. Complete your project with minimal hassle thanks to our fast, easy hiring process. Impressive contract hire and finance packages through PlatformSupermarket.com (powered by Horizon Platforms) also make buying your cherry picker simple, if you’d prefer to grow your own fleet; with part exchange options available, finding the right solution for your needs has never been easier.
5. Fast Process From Start To Finish
We don’t just offer a quick delivery option – we pride ourselves on a speedy yet premium service every step of the way. Open a credit account in just a few minutes and get a decision within one hour from Monday to Friday, so there’s no hanging about.
Our exemplary service doesn’t stop there. If you call, we’ll answer within 15 seconds. If you send us an email, we’ll respond or confirm your order within 15 minutes. So, you can spend less time worrying about your cherry picker hire, and more time getting the job done. Need to off-hire or extend a hire, or check how Horizon performs for you, you can do this via HireHub 24/7.
We have an out of hours team, too. Meaning when you need support outside of normal business hours, you can rely on Horizon
6. Exceptional Maintenance
Our approach to cherry picker maintenance covers all powered access platform servicing, maintenance, and repair needs. Ensuring, no matter if you hire or buy from Horizon, your MEWPs are always fully operational, safe and compliant.
7. Professionally Inspected
A bit like a car MOT, your MEWP must be thoroughly inspected. We’ll always make sure every cherry picker comes complete with a complete service history, has a LOLER and has a pre-delivery inspection before each hire. Meaning you have full peace of mind that your hired equipment is ready to use from the get-go.
8. Support Any Time
We offer a nationwide repair service in the unlikely event of equipment failure. During business hours, you’ll have access to an expert within 15 minutes over the phone and an engineer on site within three hours (if needed and where possible), minimising your downtime and keeping your project running smoothly. But if you’re a night owl, you can call our out of hours team who’ll get you sorted.
9. Impressive Accreditations
We have the triple crown of ISO standards, Safe Contractor certification and IPAF Rental+ Gold. They don’t give these accreditations away, and for good reason. They separate specialists like us from the pack, providing the highest guarantee that you’ll receive excellent service standards when you work with us.
10. Expert Advice
With thousands of machines to choose from, our expert team are always on hand to advise between the different types of cherry pickers, to find one that’s most suitable for the job. We know you don’t work the standard 9-5, and we don’t either – call us 24/7, and we’ll be there to help out.
Contact our team today to hire the right cherry picker for you, or see our blog to learn more about the access platforms we have on offer. Already know what you want? Head to our HireHub to order your cherry picker in just a few clicks online.