How to Choose the Right Cherry Picker for Your Needs

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At TAG Forklift Trucks, we specialise in forklift and access platform sales, hire, maintenance and servicing across the North-West. Ensuring our customers have the right equipment for their needs is of paramount importance to us.

One such piece of equipment is the cherry picker – an essential tool in construction, manufacturing and many other industries. Also called articulated boom lifts, cherry pickers provide a safe, stable and mobile platform for carrying out tasks at height.

There are many different types of cherry picker, each suited to different applications. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect cherry picker for your requirements.

Understanding Cherry Pickers

A cherry picker or boom lift is a type of aerial work platform designed to safely lift workers and their tools to high elevations. A versatile piece of access equipment, cherry pickers can be used for many tasks including building maintenance, tree surgery, window cleaning and construction work.

There are two main types of cherry pickers for hire and purchase:

  • Articulated booms: these have manoeuvrable arms that provide horizontal outreach as well as height. They are ideal for hard-to-reach areas and jobs that require ‘up-and-over’ access.
  • Telescopic booms: also called straight booms or stick booms, these are designed for maximum vertical reach.

Within each category of cherry picker, there are numerous individual models to choose from. These each offer different features and specifications to suit a wide variety of jobs and environments.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cherry Picker

If you’re planning to buy or hire cherry picker or other access platform, selecting the right model is crucial. In order to enjoy all of the benefits of access platforms, you’ll need to ensure that it can carry out the intended tasks effectively, safely and efficiently. Here are some of the most important things to consider.

Working Height and Reach Requirements

Determine the maximum height and horizontal reach you’ll need for your tasks. Cherry pickers come in various sizes, so choose a model that can comfortably and safely reach the area you need to access. This is one of the most important things you need to know before operating an access platform.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Consider where you’ll be using the cherry picker. Outdoor models may be diesel or petrol-powered and can operate in various weather conditions and environments. Indoor models have non-marking tyres and are usually electric, generating less noise and no emissions.

Ground Conditions and Terrain

It’s important to assess the ground conditions of your worksite. Some cherry pickers are designed for rough terrain with features like four-wheel drive and high ground clearance. Others are more suited to smooth, even surfaces.

Space Restrictions and Manoeuvrability

Take into account any space constraints at your worksite, including tight turns and narrow passageways. Some cherry pickers offer excellent manoeuvrability and a compact design, making them ideal for confined spaces.

Weight Capacity and Platform Size

Consider the combined weight of the workers, tools and materials that will be on the platform. Ensure the cherry picker you choose can easily accommodate your weight and space requirements. This is paramount for safety reasons – overloaded cherry pickers may be more likely to collapse or tip over. This could cause injury to workers as well as damage to the machinery.

Power Source and Fuel Type

Select a cherry picker with the appropriate power source or fuel type for your needs. Electric models are typically quieter, more compact and have zero emissions; however, they require a power source to charge. Diesel and petrol-powered models offer longer run times, greater power and reach, and are best suited to outdoor applications.

Ease of Use and Operator Requirements

Choose a cherry picker with user-friendly controls and features that make operation simple and efficient. Additionally, consider any licensing or certification requirements for operating the equipment.

At TAG Forklift Truck Services, we offer a variety of cherry picker models with various specifications and features to suit a range of working environments. Whether you require an electric, diesel-powered, or hybrid model, we have options that will fit the bill. Speak to one of our helpful team to arrange a site visit, where we will assess your specific needs and recommend the perfect model.

Hiring vs Buying a Cherry Picker

As well as choosing the most efficient cherry picker for the job, you’ll need to consider whether to hire or buy your access platform.

First, evaluate the duration and frequency of your job requirements. If you need one for a short-term project, cherry picker hire may be the most cost-effective solution. However, if you anticipate regular and long-term use, buying a cherry picker could be more economical.

When comparing the costs of hiring vs buying a cherry picker, also consider the ongoing expenses such as maintenance, servicing, insurance, and potential downtime. Cherry picker rental often includes these costs, while purchasing requires you to manage these aspects independently.

Find a Cherry Picker for Sale or Hire with TAG

Choosing the right cherry picker for your needs is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the efficiency and safety of your operations. By considering factors such as working height, workspace constraints, weight capacity and power source, you can select the ideal cherry picker for your specific requirements.

TAG Forklift Trucks carry a wide variety of cherry pickers and other mobile elevated work platforms to choose from. We provide casual, long-term and short-term hire contracts, as well as both new and used models for sale. Our team of experienced technicians also offer access platform maintenance and servicing to keep your equipment running smoothly.

Contact TAG Forklift Truck Services to explore your options today. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and flexibility. Fill in our online enquiry form or call us on 0161 848 0555.