If you’ve spent time on a job site in Brisbane or anywhere across South East Queensland, you’ve probably looked up at a massive billboard, a tall gum tree or the roof of a high‑rise and wondered, how high do those cherry pickers really go?
In this guide, you’ll find everything from how high cherry pickers can reach, their weight limits, licence requirements and key safety tips, to why choosing a local Brisbane EWP hire company like Performance Tower Hire can make a real difference.
Why Knowing Cherry Picker Reach Matters
No two jobs are the same, so you want to hire the cherry picker that suits the task at hand.
Pick a cherry picker that’s too small and you’ll end up with delays and extra expenses. Go too big and you’re stuck with a machine that’s awkward to squeeze into tight spots and costing you more than the job really needs.
If you’re just getting into this kind of work, it’s worth starting with What Are Cherry Pickers? for the basics.
Once you’re across the basics, the next thing to figure out is just how high these machines can really go! Let’s take a look.
How high can a cherry picker actually go?
It comes down to the type of machine and what it’s built for. Some are made for small maintenance jobs, while others are designed to tackle serious high‑rise work.
| Cherry Picker Type | Typical Platform Height | Approx. Working Height | Best For |
| Trailer-Mounted Boom Lift | 10–15 m | 12–17 m | Light maintenance, signs, and tree trimming |
| Medium EWP / Truck-Mounted | 20–38 m | 22–40 m | Commercial installations, mid-rise construction |
| Extensive High-Reach Machines | 54 m+ | 56–60 m | High-rise, infrastructure, and bridge maintenance |
Putting it into perspective:
- 10 m is about the height of a three-storey building
- 20 m is similar to a six-storey building
- 54 m is close to a 17-storey building
For specialised work, we can supply extra-high EWPs that reach 54 metres-plus. We call that one the penthouse! It’s ideal for large-scale industrial work, high-rise maintenance, or bridge inspections.
Working Height vs Platform Height
One common misconception is the difference between platform height and working height.
- Platform height is the distance from the ground to the floor of the platform.
- Working height is the platform height plus the average person’s reach (about 2 metres).
For example, if the platform on a cherry picker sits at 18 metres, you can usually work up to 20 metres. That extra bit of reach lets you get to higher spots without having to bring in a bigger machine.
At Performance Tower Hire, we always list the working height in our equipment specifications so you know exactly what you can reach on your job site.
Cherry Picker Hire in Brisbane and SEQ Delivered Fast
Need to work at 10 metres or even over 50 metres? We’ve got the right cherry picker for you. At Performance Tower Hire, our local team will help you choose the right machine, keep your job site safe, and get it to you on time, anywhere in Brisbane or South East Queensland.
- Quick delivery across Brisbane & SEQ
- Wet or dry hire available
- Advice on height, load limits & safe operation
Call us now or book online to get your cherry picker sorted today.
How Much Weight Can a Cherry Picker Hold?
Capacity is just as important as height when it comes to safely operating your cherry picker. The Safe Working Load (SWL) must include:
- Operators (one or two people)
- Tools and materials
- Specialist equipment
Typical SWLs range from 200 kg to 600 kg:
- 200–250 kg: One operator plus tools
- 400 kg: Two to Three persons with medium tools
- 600 kg: Three to Four persons or heavier gear
Exceeding the Safe Working Load (SWL) is unsafe, illegal, and may void your hire agreement. Chat to your cherry picker hire company about the job you’re doing so they can advise you on the right machine.
What Affects Maximum Reach?
It is not only the cherry picker specifications that determine safe reach. Job site conditions matter too.
Machine Type
- Telescopic boom lifts are ideal for straight-up reach or long horizontal reach.
- Articulated boom lifts have jointed sections to reach over and around obstacles.
Terrain
- Rough terrain models work well outdoors on uneven ground.
- Slab‑mounted lifts work best on flat, smooth indoor floors.
Not sure which one’s right for your job? Our Boom Lift vs Cherry Picker guide breaks it down so you can compare and pick the best fit.
Horizontal Outreach
Sometimes you need to extend over rooftops, awnings, or machinery. A machine with strong horizontal reach can save you hours of repositioning.
Weather Conditions
In Brisbane and SEQ, the weather can change fast, parirculrly in those stormy summer months.
- High winds may limit the safe operating height.
- Rain can make the ground slippery and unstable.
Do you actually need a licence for one of these?
In Australia:
- Over 11 m: You must have a High Risk Work Licence (EWP).
- Under 11 m: No formal licence, but training is still required.
If you hire a wet hire cherry picker from us, we provide a licensed operator so you do not have to worry about training or licensing.
For more details, see the official Safe Work Australia Licensing Requirements for EWPs.
When Should You Avoid Using a Cherry Picker?
In Brisbane and SEQ, avoid using a cherry picker if:
- Winds are high or storms are near
- You are working close to live power lines without proper clearance
- The ground is unstable or too uneven
- You are unsure of the SWL and risk overloading
- You do not have proper and required protection gear.
Get in touch with the Brisbane Cherry Picker Hire Experts
Performance Tower Hire has been supplying Brisbane businesses with quality cherry pickers and other EWPs for many years now. We know the conditions here inside out, and we are all experienced operators who can answer any questions you might have,
You can expect:
- Fast delivery across Brisbane and SEQ
- Flexible wet or dry hire options
- Expert advice so you hire the right machine
- Equipment that’s been properly looked after and regularly checked.
- 24/7 emergency availability
We have been trusted for council works, high-rise maintenance, large construction, and even wildlife rescue. So when you need a cherry picker in Brisbane or SEQ, don’t gamble with your hire. Get local service, faster delivery, and expert support from the team at Performance Tower Hire.
FAQs About Cherry Picker Reach
Why does reach vary between models?
Different designs are suited to different applications.
Why is working height different from platform height?
Working height includes the operator’s reach.
Why does capacity matter?
It’s about safety and compliance — not just machine performance.
Why does terrain type affect my choice?
Because not all lifts can handle uneven ground safely.
Why hire local?
Local knowledge, faster service, and machines suited to Brisbane jobs.
