What is a Cherry Picker?

A Cherry Picker is a type of access platform designed to safely lift people and equipment to height. These machines are commonly used for building maintenance, electrical work, signage installation, roofing, tree work, and many other jobs where ladders are not practical or safe.

In our experience, many people use the term “cherry picker” to describe any machine that lifts workers into the air, however there are several different types of access platforms available depending on the job. We’ve worked with homeowners, contractors, and commercial clients across Kent, London, and the South East, and we’ve found that choosing the right machine makes a major difference to both safety and efficiency on site.

How Does a Cherry Picker Work?

A cherry picker uses a hydraulic lifting arm to raise a platform or basket into the air. The operator stands inside the basket while carrying out work safely at height.

Most cherry pickers include:

• Hydraulic lifting systems

• Extendable boom arms

• Secure operator platforms

• Stabilising outriggers

• Ground and basket controls

The machine allows operators to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult or unsafe to access using ladders or scaffolding.

Professional cherry picker hire provides access to properly maintained equipment suitable for both domestic and commercial work.

What Are Cherry Pickers Used For?

Cherry pickers are used across many industries because they provide safe and efficient access to height.

Common uses include:

• Exterior building maintenance

• Gutter and roof work

• Tree surgery

• Sign installation

• Window cleaning

• Electrical repairs

• CCTV and lighting installation

From working with clients, we’ve found that cherry pickers are often the fastest solution for short term access work because they reduce setup time compared to scaffolding.

Different Types of Cherry Pickers

Not all cherry pickers are the same. Different machines suit different environments and working heights.

Van Mounted Cherry Pickers

These are mounted onto vans or vehicles, making them ideal for mobile jobs across multiple locations.

Advantages include:

• Quick setup

• Easy transport

• Suitable for roadside work

We’ve found van mounted platforms work particularly well for reactive maintenance work because they allow fast access without major setup delays.

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts use extendable arms to reach awkward or elevated areas.

These machines are ideal for:

• Reaching over obstacles

• High level external work

• Large commercial sites

Cherry Picker Hire Options

There are usually two main hire options available.

Operated Hire

With operated hire, a trained operator arrives on site with the equipment and carries out the required work.

Benefits include:

• No certification required by the customer

• Faster setup and operation

• Fully trained operator included

• Reduced risk of misuse

We’ve found operated hire works better than self-drive hire for short term jobs because customers avoid training requirements and can focus entirely on the work itself.

Self Drive Hire

With self-drive hire, the equipment is delivered to site and operated by the customer.

This option requires a valid IPAF qualification before use.

Self-drive hire is often suitable for:

• Contractors

• Facilities management teams

• Ongoing commercial projects

Why Safety Matters with Cherry Pickers

Working at height always carries risk. Because of this, proper equipment and training are essential.

Safe operation includes:

• Correct machine setup

• Stable ground positioning

• Proper harness use where required

• Following working at height regulations

From experience, the biggest problems on site usually come from rushing setup or using unsuitable equipment rather than faults with the machines themselves.

Why Businesses Use Cherry Pickers Instead of Scaffolding

Scaffolding still has its place, however cherry pickers often provide a more efficient solution for shorter projects.

Advantages over scaffolding include:

• Faster setup times

• Reduced labour requirements

• Easier repositioning

• Lower disruption on many sites

In our experience, cherry pickers work better than scaffolding for one day maintenance work because the equipment can be positioned and used almost immediately.

Choosing the Right Access Equipment

The best machine depends on:

• Required working height

• Ground conditions

• Indoor or outdoor use

• Space restrictions

• Duration of the project

We’ve completed access projects across Kent, London, and the South East, and we’ve found that careful planning prevents most on-site issues before work even begins.

Common Mistakes People Make

From working with clients, there are several issues we regularly see.

Hiring the Wrong Machine

Choosing equipment with insufficient reach or unsuitable dimensions.

Ignoring Ground Conditions

Soft or uneven surfaces can affect safe operation.

Underestimating Working Height

People often measure roof height but forget about reach angles and obstacles.

Using Unqualified Operators

Self-drive hire without proper training creates serious safety risks.

Professional Access Hire Support

Professional access hire ensures the equipment is suitable, maintained properly, and delivered safely to site.

Whether you need operated hire or self-drive equipment, choosing the correct machine improves both safety and efficiency.

You can contact us today to discuss your requirements and arrange access hire.

What is a cherry picker, in summary

A Cherry Picker provides a safe and efficient way to work at height across a wide range of industries and projects. In our experience, the right access equipment saves time, improves safety, and reduces unnecessary disruption on site. At Bespoke AVS, we provide operated and self-drive cherry picker hire across Kent, London, and the South East, helping customers complete projects safely and efficiently.

If you need safe and reliable access equipment for your next project, we are ready to help.