What You Should Know Before Hiring a Cherry Picker

Boom lifts, also known as cherry pickers, are versatile and efficient tools for a wide range of tasks at height, especially when access to the site is challenging. Their key feature is the articulated boom, which allows operators to navigate obstacles and reach difficult areas. With a rotating platform that can turn 360 degrees and a segmented boom, operators can easily manoeuvre around overhead beams, corners, and shelving. Since hiring a cherry picker requires some investment, it’s crucial to choose the right model and specifications to suit your project’s needs. Selecting the wrong lift can lead to incomplete tasks, missed deadlines, and extra costs. At Elavation, we are committed to long-term partnerships with our clients, and our experts are always ready to help you select the ideal lift for your requirements.

Maximum Working Height

One of the most important factors to consider when hiring a cherry picker is its working height. It’s essential to know the maximum height you need to work at and choose the appropriate lift accordingly. Most models feature two key specifications:

• Platform Height: The height to which the work platform can be elevated.
• Working Height: The platform height plus 2 metres (the maximum height at which a worker can perform tasks safely while on the platform).

Application

Another crucial consideration is whether the work will be conducted indoors or outdoors. This will determine the type of cherry picker you need. For indoor work, electric-powered lifts are usually preferred. Their advantages include no harmful emissions (important in enclosed spaces), low noise levels, compactness, and manoeuvrability.

For outdoor work, diesel-powered lifts are often more suitable. They generally offer higher load capacities, better off-road capabilities, greater ground clearance, and higher working heights. This makes them an excellent choice for most construction sites. For versatility, you might consider hiring a hybrid boom lift.

Duration of Hire

The rental duration is another important factor. Some projects with higher demands can be unpredictable and take longer than expected. At Elavation, we aim to help you complete your project stress-free and on the best terms, offering flexible conditions for long-term cherry picker rentals from our fleet.

Short-term hiring can be stressful due to tight deadlines and increased machine usage. While longer-term rentals might cost slightly more, they can be more economical in the long run, considering all factors. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you won’t be left without a lift and unfinished tasks, saving you from unnecessary stress.

Read our latest article on the differences between scissor lifts and scaffolding.

Additional Considerations

Logistics

When calculating the total budget, it’s essential to include the cost of delivering the equipment to the work site. Depending on the distance between the rental location and the work site, delivery time and costs can vary significantly. However, the longer the rental period, the less impact delivery costs have on the overall project cost.

Weight

For some works, the weight of the equipment is critical. For instance, when working indoors on upper floors, there may be weight restrictions of 3-3.5 tonnes. In such cases, it’s crucial to confirm the lift’s weight when hiring.

Dimensions

Often, the dimensions of the lift become critical for work in confined spaces. For narrow aisles or between shelving, the cherry picker must be compact, manoeuvrable, and flexible. Consider all “tight” spots in the project, such as gates, doorways, and lifts the cherry picker must pass through. Overlooking the dimensions could result in a lift that can’t be used for the job, leading to additional costs and time loss.

Looking to Hire a Cherry Picker?

Purchasing a lift can be quite expensive. For most short-term projects, hiring a cherry picker is far more cost-effective. Browse our fleet of boom lifts or contact us for more information and advice. Our experienced team is here to support you at every stage of your project, always ready to assist.