There are several options that you can choose from that would enable you to work at height in a safe and efficient manner. Depending on what job needs to be carried out, you will have to choose from a wide range of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). The options include scissor lifts, boom lifts, forklifts, and tracked spider lifts. But we are here to find out when you should use a Cherry Picker.
With many factors to take into consideration when hiring or using a cherry picker, you’ll need to make an informed decision. You’ll need to account for the specific job taking place, the area of the project, and the height you need to reach.
What is a cherry picker?
A cherry picker is a name given to a MEWP with a platform located on top of a moving crane that can be raised, lowered, and used to reach desired heights. The name was originally coined due to them being used for fruit picking, enabling workers and farmers to reach the tall cherry trees in a safer manner compared to using a ladder.
Since then, a cherry picker has been utilised in several different ways and across many industries.
What can a cherry picker be used for?
A whole host of jobs can be performed using a cherry picker, as this versatile MEWP is equipped with many defining features.
Some of the most common tasks carried out using a cherry picker are:
- Building maintenance – If a building needs maintenance on its exterior, or perhaps a fresh coat of paint is required, rather than using a ladder, a cherry picker can ensure safety and security, enabling the operator to move to any part of the building – even the most awkward angles.
- Telephone and electricity pole servicing – Do you need to reach the top of a lamppost or telephone pole? Both of these can be over 30 ft tall. Fortunately, cherry pickers to hire are extremely efficient and will get you up to new heights in no time.
- Filming and photography – If you want to be able to capture sweeping shots from a high vantage point, then cherry pickers are the perfect solution. Great for sporting events to get a bird’s eye view, or for hire to use in one of your own independent projects.
- Fire services – Fire and emergency services are experts when it comes to cherry pickers. They use them to rescue people from life-threatening situations such as burning buildings, and even to save cats from trees. Cherry pickers are utilised to perform multiple rescues and transport injured victims down to ground level whilst simultaneously keeping them safe on the platform.
- Fruit picking – As the original intention for this type of MEWP, picking fruit from branches has never been easier. Before these became ready for mainstream use, ladders were used which were much more dangerous, endangering workers who could fall and injure themselves whilst trying to pick fruit.
Which cherry picker do you choose?
Now that you know what kind of jobs cherry pickers are most useful for – and when to use one – you’re probably wondering which one may be best for you. Cherry pickers vary in reach height, size, and shape to adapt to the job at hand, whether you need to occupy a tight space or reach up and over obstacles with great manoeuvrability.
It will all come down to which can meet your unique needs and requirements. One of the most important factors to take into consideration is what height you need to reach. Most cherry pickers can reach a minimum height of 3.5 m, with some being able to extend their reach height to 40 m and above. If you require a cherry picker with the ability to have more platform capacity, there are a multitude of options available. Other things to consider would be lifting capacity, lifting height, and machine width. Luckily, there are several ways to customise the parameters of the cherry picker you are looking for.
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