So, what are Cherry Pickers? When you hear the word ‘cherry picker’, you might immediately associate it with a tool used to pick cherries. Whilst you aren’t entirely wrong, the term has changed over time to describe a cherry picker as an aerial work platform used to access inaccessible areas, usually at height. They are railed platforms that can extend upwards on a hydraulic crane in order to provide people temporary access to such areas.
Cherry Pickers can also be called:
- an aerial device
- Aerial lift
- Boom truck
- an elevating work platform
- a bucket truck
- a mobile elevating work platform
- a boom lift (most popular)
In this article let’s find out what a cherry picker is, the terminology used around it, whether it’s safe to use and what it can be used for. The most important thing to know is that this type of equipment can be used in every industry that requires working from height.
Are Cherry Pickers Safe?
A cherry picker is the safest equipment used for elevated access work and the best alternative to scaffolding platforms and towers. However, like with any type of machinery, it can be unsafe if not used properly. Therefore, you can’t operate one without undergoing a qualified IPAF training course and obtaining a cherry picker licence.
There are a few things to do before hiring and operating a cherry picker:
- Ensure the ground level is suitable for work
- Always follow the main principles of operating an access platform
- Carry out a full Risk Assessment before you start the work
- Have regular training updates to refresh your knowledge
- Check weather conditions
- Prepare and practice safety procedures
Is a Cherry picker a MEWP?
To answer this question, we first need to understand what a MEWP is. Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) is a work platform used to access places that are normally hard to reach, especially at height. It is also sometimes known as a self-propelled boom. So, to answer the question, yes, a cherry picker is a MEWP.
What is a Cherry Picker used for?
As we found out earlier, a cherry picker is a movable platform used to access hard-to-reach areas at height. It’s a piece of versatile equipment that can be used as an alternative to many other types of tools, equipment, and machinery. This is exactly what makes people love it. It’s a cost-effective solution that is safe and easy to use no matter the industry you’re in. What’s not to love?
Here’s a small list of the tasks you can use a cherry picker for:
- Utility Work: if you’re someone who works with utility infrastructure day-to-day, then cherry pickers are a must to be able to do your job. It can help you install and remove things, such as overhead cables, telephone/power lines, streetlights, and more.
- Tree Trimming: sometimes trees can be way too tall for a human to reach, but you still need to trim that tree. A cherry picker will make it easy for you to do this, whether that’s in public or private places.
- Painting & Maintenance: because it’s such a flexible alternative to scaffolding or ladders, it can be used by a painter or cleaner to complete their task easily and quickly. It’s also an efficient way of taking all your painting products with you without having to leave the platform.
- Window Washing: as city buildings are getting taller and taller, it’s getting harder to do some tasks, such as washing the building’s windows. Because it is a difficult area to reach, a cherry picker can most definitely help.
Filming Events: you heard that right – they can be even used at sporting events, concerts, etc to get footage from the best angles during the event. You will not get the same result when filming from the ground, therefore hiring a cherry picker is your best option.
Why is a Cherry Picker Called that?
In the past, cherry pickers were literally used for fruit picking. It can still be used for that reason, but the meaning has slightly changed as it’s now used for accessing any kind of difficult-to-reach location. It has evolved into a piece of flexible and multi-purpose machinery that helps people work at height.
Other Things to Consider when Choosing a Cherry Picker
It can be hard to choose the right cherry picker when there are many options out there. Before making that decision, we suggest you do some research into the different types of cherry pickers that exist. This will make it easier for you to find the one that will match your business requirements and that will be the perfect solution. Getting it right will save you time and money.
You should always take your working environment into consideration when hiring or buying a cherry picker. This is because not every standard cherry picker can fit into every area, in this case, you might need to get a small cherry picker. Ensuring this is followed will prevent any incidents from happening in the workplace. We hope that this article has helped you find what you were looking for.