For tradies, maintenance crews, and even DIYers, the decision of whether to hire or buy their equipment is always there. It’s no different when it comes to cherry pickers.
Buying comes with significant outlays, ongoing maintenance, and the risk of owning the wrong type for the job. That’s where cherry picker hire comes in. It’s flexible, cost‑effective, and keeps your work moving without the headaches of ownership.
This guide walks you through why hiring a cherry picker often makes more sense than buying one, the perks that come with it, and how teaming up with a local outfit like Performance Tower Hire can make the whole thing a breeze.
Why Hiring a Cherry Picker Beats Owning One
Not all cherry pickers are built the same. Some shoot straight up, like telescopic booms. Others, like knuckle booms, bend and weave around awkward spots. You’ve got compact ones that squeeze into tight spaces, and truck‑mounted rigs you can roll from one site to the next. The catch with buying? You’re locked into that one machine, even if your next job calls for something totally different.
Hiring gives you flexibility. You select the right cherry picker for each job without being locked into a single machine. You don’t have to worry about it losing value, taking up storage space, or costing a fortune in repairs.
If you’re not sure which type you need, our cherry picker guide gives you a quick look at the options and how they work.
Safety You Can Rely On
Working at height isn’t something you take chances with. Everything we send out has been looked over, tested, and ticked off against Australian safety standards before it gets anywhere near your job.
You can also go for wet hire, which is the cherry picker with a trained operator, so you’re not stuck sorting licences, permits, or training. Work can start right away without waiting for paperwork or licences to clear.
Using a cherry picker is usually safer than climbing scaffolding or ladders, as it cuts the risk of falling and makes it easier to follow safety rules.
Check out our article on the mistakes people often make when hiring a cherry picker for more tips.
Why does hiring a cherry picker improve safety on-site?
Because you’re working with equipment that experts maintain and, if needed, operate by trained professionals who know precisely how to use it safely.
Save Time and Keep Your Budget in Check
Cherry pickers aren’t cheap to buy. And once you own one, you’re paying for insurance, servicing, storage, and transport. Hiring takes all of that off your plate.
With Performance Tower Hire, your cherry picker is delivered to the site when you need it, ready to go. There’s no downtime while you move equipment around or sort out maintenance. You get on with the job.
Hiring is also ideal for short‑term or seasonal work where buying wouldn’t make financial sense. You can see how hiring costs stack up in our guide on the cost of hiring a cherry picker.
More Manoeuvrable for Tight or Awkward Spots
Not every job site is a wide‑open space. Sometimes you’re working in a narrow laneway, up against a wall, or inside a warehouse.
Cherry pickers, exceptionally compact and knuckle boom models, can get into tight access areas where scaffolding or big lifts just won’t fit. Self-drive and truck-mounted options also make it easier to move between job sites without incurring the expense of transport arrangements.
Work Faster with the Right Gear
A cherry picker can turn a day‑long setup into a job that starts within minutes. You can quickly change working heights, swing into position with ease, and tackle multiple spots without needing to come down to move equipment.
Bring in a qualified operator and the whole job flows quicker. You spend less time waiting around, get it finished sooner, save on labour, and stay on schedule.
Why do cherry pickers increase work efficiency?
Because they let you move, adjust, and work at height without constant stops and starts.
Flexibility to Suit Every Job
Need a cherry picker for a couple of days? A week? A few months? Hiring gives you control over how long you’ve got the equipment on site.
You can match the lift to the job, choosing a telescopic for big heights, a knuckle for tricky spots, or a compact model for indoor work.
Not sure on the size? Have a look at our quick guide on how high different cherry pickers can go.
Eco‑Friendly Options
Electric cherry pickers work well indoors or in neighbourhoods where you want to keep noise and fumes down. They’re quiet, don’t give off exhaust on site, and suit places where you need to keep disruption low.
Why are electric cherry pickers eco‑friendly and quieter?
Because they run on battery power rather than diesel, cutting both emissions and noise.
When to Call Performance Tower Hire
Performance Tower Hire isn’t a big faceless rental chain. We’re a small business with a focus on personal service, expert advice, and flexible hire options. You’re dealing with a team that knows the gear, values safety, and delivers service you can count on.
We cover South East Queensland and offer both wet and dry hire. Whether you need gear for construction, signage, tree work, electrical, plumbing, or telecommunications, we have the right equipment and the right people to help.
We’re available 24/7 for urgent jobs and can have your cherry picker on site fast. Get in touch today!
FAQ – Quick Answers
Why go for a cherry picker instead of scaffolding?
You can set it up fast, change the height without fuss, and avoid all the slow, fiddly build work scaffolding needs.
Why does rental include maintenance and compliance?
The equipment is safe, meets all the legal requirements, and is ready when you need it.
Why does using a cherry picker require proper operator training?
It keeps everyone on-site safe and ensures efficient operation.
Why choose self‑drive cherry pickers for short‑term projects?
They’re easy to transport and ideal for smaller jobs where you don’t need an operator full‑time.
