What’s the Difference Between Boom Lifts and Cherry Pickers?
You’ve got a project on that requires working at height, such as repainting a building, installing signage, or tackling a roofing job. You know you’ll need to hire an elevated work platform (EWP), but you’re stuck on whether to hire a cherry picker or a boom lift. What’s the difference, and which one is better suited to your job?
It’s not an uncommon question amongst tradies and business owners, so we’ve put together this straightforward guide to clear things up. We want you to be able to easily identify the difference in the machines, while also knowing when each one should be used and the license you need to operate them.
Are Boom Lifts and Cherry Pickers the Same Thing?
They’re not the same thing, but people confuse them all the time because they share similarities. Cherry pickers and boom lifts are both kinds of elevated work platforms (EWP) – machinery designed to help workers reach jobs at heights that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible.
They may belong to the same family of machinery but there are key differences between them. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Height
The height that either machine can reach is a big difference between cherry pickers and boom lifts. Boom Lifts typically max out at around 42 – 55 metres. They’re generally enough if you’re carrying out light work like building maintenance, or sign maintenance. Or if your project is likely to go for more than a week in duration.
Cherry Pickers are the heavy-hitters when you need serious height and reach with proper basket capacity. Some models, including the ones we supply here at Performance Tower Hire, can extend up to 100 metres. That’s about as high as a 30-storey building!
If your project involves working at extreme heights and reach, a Cherry Picker is almost always the better choice.
Reach and Movement
There are differences in how each machine reaches the jobs up there.
Cherry Pickers come with an articulated or telescopic arm (the boom) that can reach over or around obstacles to get to hard-to-reach spots. This is handy for working around trees or power lines, or even reaching over buildings.
Boom Lifts have generally less reach. Depending on the type of job you’re doing, that may be a point to consider.
Typical Uses
To summarise their usual usage, if you need straightforward up-and-down access for light-to-medium jobs, a Boom Lift could suffice.
If you’re dealing with heights and tight spaces, or your job is spread across lots of ground, a cherry picker will be the answer.
Let’s look at scenarios where you’d normally choose each machine:
Cherry Pickers:
High-rise construction work
Lighting or electrical work at significant heights
Cleaning gutters or windows
Installing or maintaining signage
Tree pruning
Large sites with multiple access points
Boom Lifts:
Painting buildings or houses
Roof installation or major repairs
General maintenance on low- to mid-rise structures
Is a Licence Required to Operate a Boom Lift or Cherry Picker?
Safety and licensing is something you can’t ignore. In Queensland operating a boom lift or cherry picker over 11 metres requires a High Risk Work Licence for EWPs (class WP). Operators also need proper training to meet Work Health and Safety regulations.
But here’s the good news: when you hire from us at Performance Tower Hire, you don’t need to stress about getting licensed yourself. All our cherry pickers and boom lifts come with an experienced, fully licensed operator if required. This is called “wet hire”, where we supply both the machine and the person to run it safely and efficiently. We’ll get the job done for you safely and on time.
Quality Counts with EWP Hiring
A final word of advice: be serious about quality when it comes to hiring elevated work platforms. Poorly maintained equipment or unqualified operators can cost you more than money – they can put lives at risk.
At Performance Tower Hire, we take safety seriously. Our cherry pickers and boom lifts are meticulously serviced regularly. They’re operated with skill and precision, and won’t let you down on the job.
Got Questions About Boom Lifts and Cherry Pickers?
Not sure which one’s right for your job? No worries, we’ll help you work it out. Tell us what you’re planning, and we’ll match you with the best gear and lock in your booking fast and without any hassle.
Get in touch with Performance Tower Hire today and let’s get you up there, and back down again, safely.
- Published in Boom Lifts, Cherry Pickers
How Much Does Cherry Picker Hire Cost?
Cherry picker hire cost is dependent on a number of factors, which we’re going to break down for you in this article.
If you’ve got a job on the cards that requires working at height, a cherry picker could be a good fit for you. A cherry picker is an elevated work platform (EWP) that has a vertical boom attached to a bucket. There are different types, which the Performance Tower Hire team will guide you through, depending on what you need the EWP for.
Let’s take a look at how cherry picker hire cost is worked out.
Is There a Standard Cherry Picker Cost?
There isn’t a standard cherry picker hire cost. Different companies will have different rates, but you can expect it to start at a few hundred dollars and climb from there. Short-term hire will obviously work out less than long-term, and larger machines and remote locations will push the overall cost higher.
Your cherry picker hire company will be able to give you a tailored quote for the job you have in mind. Let’s take a look at the factors they’ll take into consideration to land on a figure.
What Affects the Cost of Cherry Picker Hire?
A number of key factors influence the cost of your hire.
Type of Cherry Picker
There are different brands, models and types of cherry pickers. Compact ones will get you into tight spaces, while larger ones can be mounted on trucks and designed to get to serious heights. The type that you need will directly affect the cost of your hire, as bigger machines will come with a higher fee.
Height and Reach
The more cherry picker height and outreach you need, the bigger the machine. And with size comes a jump in price. A cherry picker that only needs to reach six metres could be completely different to one that needs to get 20 or 30 metres up.
If you’re working at multiple levels, over obstacles or across gaps you’ll need a machine with extended boom reach or articulating arms. These extras bump up the capability and the hire cost.
Hire Duration
The longer your timeline on a job, the more you’re going to pay for your cherry picker hire.
But longer hires often come with lower daily rates, so it can work out better value over time.
If you need a machine urgently, your rush job or last-minute call-out might attract premium rates. Booking ahead gives you more flexibility and could help with the price.
Delivery Location
Distance is a big one. If your site is within the hire company’s service area you’re likely looking at standard transport costs. But if you’re further out or in a hard-to-access suburb, expect additional delivery fees.
Transporting heavy gear takes planning, so the more remote or complicated your site is, the more it’ll influence the quote.
Site Access
This isn’t about the address of the site, but more about how we get the machine into place. Is there a steep slope? Soft ground? Tight driveway? Will we need to work over buildings, fences, or other gear?
The tougher the access, the more time, planning, and possibly equipment is required. All that gets factored into the final hire price.
Weight of Load
How much are you lifting? Are you hoisting a couple of workers and a tool belt or heavy equipment and materials?
Every cherry picker has a safe weight rating. If you’re pushing the upper end, you’ll need a machine that can handle it. That means bigger gear, and could mean a higher cost. But it also means doing the job safely and efficiently. The safety of your operators is a top priority, and having a machine that supports them is essential.
Need a Licensed Operator?
Here’s a key question: Do you have someone qualified to operate the machinery?
If not, you’ll need to hire one. The good news? At Performance Tower Hire, we include a licensed, experienced operator in every hire.
With our wet hire service, there’s no mucking around trying to find someone last minute. No worries about insurance or safety. Just rock-solid service and a machine that turns up ready to go, with an operator who knows exactly how to use it. Performance Tower Hire has you covered.
Contact the Brisbane Cherry Picker Hire Pros
Hiring a cherry picker doesn’t have to be complicated. But if you want to stay on budget and avoid hassles, it pays to understand what drives the cost:
- The type and size of machine
- How high and far you need to reach
- How long you need it for
- Where you’re working
- How accessible your site is
- What you’re lifting
- Whether you need an operator
Still unsure what’s right for you? Contact us at Performance Tower Hire. We’ll ask the right questions, give you an honest quote, and make sure you’re not paying for more than you need. You’ll get the right gear, a qualified operator, and no surprises on your invoice. Chat soon.
- Published in Cherry Pickers
How High Can a Cherry Picker Reach?
Are you trying to choose which cherry picker is right for you but don’t know how far they reach? If so, this is the place for you.
In this article, we’ll discuss how high your average cherry picker can go, how much weight it can carry, and other factors to consider including when to contact our expert team at Performance Tower Hire.
How High a Cherry Picker Can Reach
Depending on the type of cherry picker you require, and the work for which you require it, cherry pickers can reach a height up to 54m (180ft). This means it’s very useful when working at heights while also maintaining safety standards.
How Much Weight Can a Cherry Picker Hold?
Generally speaking, a cherry picker can hold up to 600kg (1500lb). But again, this is dependent on the type of cherry picker you require and what kind of work the user will be undertaking whilst on the cherry picker.
How Do You Know the Cherry Picker You Choose is Suited to Your Needs?
There are several types of cherry pickers, all of which are suited to different uses. That’s why it’s always best to do your research or talk to a professional (such as those on our team) to discuss your requirements when choosing the best cherry picker for your intended purpose.
When Should You Not Use a Cherry Picker?
You should not use a cherry picker when:
– there’s bad weather, especially during storms or lightning strikes
– the weight capacity of your chosen cherry picker hasn’t been confirmed
– you haven’t checked height restrictions
– you’re near power lines (especially live wires)
– you don’t have a fall arrest system and other safety measures in place
– you don’t have training and a licence to operate the machinery
– you don’t feel safe
Do You Need a Licence to Operate a Cherry Picker?
Yes. You must have a licence and receive professional training in order to safely use a cherry picker – regardless of your intended purpose or the industry you work in.
When Should You Contact Performance Tower Hire?
If you’re in need of a cherry picker operated by a qualified operator who has received the appropriate training and licensing, contact our team at Performance Tower Hire. Our machinery is of the highest standard and ready to go when you are.
To arrange a cherry picker hire booking, or find out more about the equipment we have available, talk to us today.
- Published in Cherry Pickers
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Cherry Picker
When hiring a cherry picker, there are several factors to consider. But what mistakes should you avoid?
If you’ve never hired a cherry picker before (or even if you have), you may not know there are common mistakes people tend to make when entering the hiring process.
In this article, we’ll discuss the things you should definitely avoid doing when hiring a cherry picker, and where to go for assistance from the experts.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Cherry Picker
Hiring a cherry picker can be daunting if you don’t know what you need to watch out for. But even if you have, there’s always room for improvement and usually a checklist of things you need to be certain of to ensure you have the right equipment for the task at hand.
In this section, we’ll break down some of the common mistakes people – both first timers and those with experience – make when hiring this vital piece of equipment.
Hiring the Wrong Type of Machinery
Making sure you have the right equipment for the job at hand is integral – whether you’re working on construction, with utilities or something entirely different. While we’ve discussed what cherry pickers are and the different types you have available in this article, we’ll touch on it briefly here.
There are a few different types of cherry pickers you should familiarise yourself with before hiring equipment. These are:
– telescopic
– spider lifts
– articulating or truck mounted (the latter of which we specialise in)
Each type of cherry picker is best suited to a different function or role, so you need to be aware of this so you know which option is best for you.
Failing to Consider Height
Depending on the type of cherry picker you choose, they can go from heights of 10m to 57m. But, if you choose to hire cherry pickers that only reach a height of 20m when you really need to reach a height of 30m, you’re going to be up the creek without a paddle.
Do your research and know how high your cherry picker needs to reach before contacting your hire company, as it’s often one of the first questions professionals like us will ask.
Not Knowing What Work Needs to Be Completed
If you’re booking a cherry picker hire service, we will need to know how you want to use the equipment. This will help us determine which machinery is right for you, how long you’ll need it for and (most importantly) how much such services will cost.
Failing to know this, or hiring the wrong cherry picker for the job may result in issues such as:
– wasted time
– wasted money
– safety issues
– access issues
Using it Outside its Intended Purpose
As we said, cherry pickers have different functions and capabilities. Using it outside its intended purpose is foolish practice, not to mention dangerous to both yourself, and those around you. That’s why you always need to be aware of how the cherry picker will be used (and what that entails) before hiring your equipment.
Forgetting About Access
Access is a major issue when working on site, especially when using a cherry picker. When we hire out equipment, we need to know that we’ll actually be able to get it where you need to use it safely and efficiently.
There’s no point in us showing up to your property with the equipment and you not being able to use it in its required place. That’s just a waste of everyone’s time and money.
Disregarding Safety
Disregarding safety is one of our pet peeves. Working at heights is very dangerous, and if you disregard the protocols, you endanger not only yourself but everyone you work with (including us – if you’re hiring our equipment).
Always follow working at heights procedures and put the safety of yourself and others first.
Underestimating Cost
Underestimating the cost of cherry picker hire – or how long you’ll require the cherry picker for – is where a lot of people come unstuck. Do your research and plan ahead to avoid falling victim to this common blunder.
Allowing an Unlicensed Operator to Use Machinery
Operating a cherry picker – whether it’s for a day, a week or longer – must be done by a trained and licensed operator. If you don’t have a licence or allow someone who doesn’t have a licence to use your hired cherry picker, you risk the safety of yourself and everyone around you.
How to Avoid these Mistakes
If you want to be sure that your cherry picker hire process runs as smoothly as possible, and you complete whatever project you’re working on according to schedule, you need to talk to us at Performance Tower Hire.
We’re prompt, professional and all our machinery comes with a qualified, licensed operator so you don’t have to worry about making any of the mistakes mentioned here.
To arrange your cherry picker hire services, contact us today.
- Published in Cherry Pickers
Benefits of Hiring a Cherry Picker
So you know what a cherry picker is and how it works, but what are the advantages of hiring a cherry picker when working at heights?
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of hiring a cherry picker over purchasing one (or attempting to work without one, how to ensure you’re hiring the right cherry picker for your needs and how Performance Tower Hire can help.
Advantages of Hiring a Cherry Picker
If you haven’t ever hired a cherry picker before, you might be wondering about how beneficial they are when working at heights. In this section, we’ll go through some of the main advantages our clients enjoy when hiring cherry pickers instead of buying them, and why it’s an option you should consider when working at heights.
You’ll Have the Right Equipment for the Job
One of the most common mistakes we’ve seen people make when buying machinery like cherry pickers is choosing equipment that isn’t suited to the work they need to complete. Contrary to popular opinion, not all cherry pickers are the same and if you bite the bullet and buy one type of cherry picker, who’s to say it will be suitable for work you need to complete in a week, month or year.
Hiring a cherry picker allows the flexibility to choose from different types of cherry pickers without committing to one specific type of machinery, and you’ll get the advice and support of our support team every time you need to hire equipment.
No Licencing
Operating a cherry picker requires you to have completed the right training and have the correct permits to work such equipment. When you hire equipment with an operator – as you can when you choose Performance Tower Hire – you don’t have to worry about that.
Our qualified team members do all the work for you so you can focus your attention where you need to.
Saves Time & Money
Cherry pickers are expensive pieces of equipment. Transporting them means investing time and money, especially if you need an off-site base to store the machinery.
Hiring cherry pickers from businesses like ours means your equipment is on site when you need it, and you don’t have to worry about the excess cost associated with owning your own machinery.
Safety
At Performance Tower Hire, we take safety very seriously. When you hire cherry pickers, you can be 100 percent certain that we will work as safely as possible, according to all site restrictions. We will also do our utmost to protect your staff while on site.
Unfortunately, this is not something everyone can always guarantee when working with their own equipment.
Adaptable
Hiring a cherry picker allows you to choose when you want it on site, and make sure it is suitable to your specific needs for that particular work. This is, as previously mentioned, not something you can do without a fleet of purchased cherry pickers at your disposal.
Efficiency
You may think you can complete your work at heights with the aid of a ladder, as opposed to machinery. And this may be the case. But the fact of the matter is that having a cherry picker hire service (complete with qualified operators) just makes the job more seamless and efficient.
When to Contact Performance Tower Hire
If you want to be sure that your cherry picker hire process runs as smoothly as possible, and you complete whatever project you’re working on according to schedule, you need to talk to us at Performance Tower Hire.
We’re prompt, professional and all our machinery comes with a qualified, licensed operator so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
To find out more about our cherry picker hire services, contact us today.
- Published in Cherry Pickers
How to Be Safe When Using a Cherry Picker
Hiring a cherry picker and want to be certain you and your team are as safe as possible? If so, this is the article for you.
Here, we’ll discuss how you can be certain of your safety when using a cherry picker – from choosing the right equipment to risk assessments – and how the team at Performance Tower Hire can assist you.
Note on this Article
This blog article is intended to give you a brief guide of the things you need to do and what you need to consider in order to be safe when using cherry pickers.
It should not be used as a replacement to training or as an instruction manual for unlicensed operators.
Safety While Using Cherry Pickers
There are several things you need to do and take into account when using a cherry picker on a worksite. In this section, we’ll go through the things you need to do and what you need to take into consideration in order to be safe while using a cherry picker.
Use Only Licensed Operators
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. Cherry pickers – and other machinery used for working at heights – should only be operated by a licensed professional with the appropriate qualifications and certification.
If you’re unlicensed, you should not be operating the machinery.
Choose the Right Equipment
When hiring a cherry picker for use on site, it’s important to ensure the machinery you choose will do the job you need it to.
Check Access Requirements
Equipment like cherry pickers and boom lifts can be bulky, even on truck-mounted varieties like those we offer at Performance Tower Hire. As such, it’s important to check that the equipment you hire will actually be able to access the area in which it needs to operate.
If it doesn’t, you may have to reconsider your options.
Conduct Risk Assessment
When hiring any type of equipment – be it a cherry picker or a boom lift – it’s important to conduct a thorough risk assessment to protect yourself and your fellow staff members.
This means ensuring that the ground is stable, identifying other potential hazards and getting your team out of harm’s way while the machinery is in operation.
Hire for the Right Amount of Time
Part of ensuring you work safely when using a cherry picker is not rushing things or overlooking safety in a hurry to get the job done quickly.
By hiring the equipment for an appropriate amount of time you’ll need to complete your work efficiently and safely, you won’t feel pressure from external factors like the time you need to be finished using the equipment.
Don’t Neglect Safety Equipment
Using the right safety equipment like harnesses and other protective gear is paramount when operating a cherry picker or working at heights. Neglect this and you put not only your own safety, but that of others at risk.
How to Ensure Complete Safety When Hiring a Cherry Picker
In our opinion, there’s only one way to ensure complete safety when hiring a cherry picker: seek professional assistance.
At Performance Tower Hire, our truck-mounted cherry pickers and spider boom lifts come equipped with qualified operators who are well trained in using the equipment safely, whilst you and your team can focus on other aspects of your project.
To book a cherry picker with a qualified operator who is familiar with safety protocols, contact our experienced team today.
- Published in Cherry Pickers
Do You Need a Licence to Operate a Cherry Picker?
One of the questions we’re asked as tower hire and safety specialists in our industry is whether or not you need a licence to operate a cherry picker. Here, we’ll tell you all we know.
No matter their industry, one of the questions we’re most frequently asked is if you need a licence to operate a cherry picker. In this article, we’ll discuss all your licensing requirements, restrictions and where to go when you need cherry picker hire services you can rely on.
Do You Need a Licence to Operate a Cherry Picker in Queensland?
You do require some form of licensing to operate a cherry picker in Queensland. If the cherry picker you are working with will be at a height of 11m or below, you only need a valid EWP yellow card to operate the machinery.
If you’re working at heights above 11m, you will need an additional licence indicating you’ve completed your high risk training.
Are There Age Restrictions on Obtaining Your Yellow Card?
Under 18 years of age and want to operate a cherry picker? Yellow card training and competencies can be issued to those aged 16 or 17 years old, but there are certain restrictions placed on your qualifications.
Once you turn 18, the restrictions are removed and you’re able to operate unsupervised.
When to Contact Performance Tower Hire
If you require a cherry picker hire service complete with a qualified operator, you should get in touch with our team at Performance Tower Hire today, or secure your online booking today.
Not only do we work with the best equipment in the industry so you can get your work done quickly and efficiently, we also only have highly qualified team members on staff so you can be certain your job will be completed to the highest standard, as safely as can be.
Do You Need a Licence to Operate Equipment Hired from Performance Tower Hire?
No, because all our equipment comes with a skilled, licensed operator so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Talk to our cherry picker hire experts today about booking our equipment.
- Published in Cherry Pickers
What Are Cherry Pickers?
If you’ve been wondering what are cherry pickers and what they do, how to choose the best type for your needs and where to go when you need a reliable cherry picker, you’ve found your answer in this article.
If you’re in or around the construction industry, there’s almost no doubt you would have heard the term “cherry picker”. But what is a cherry picker, which type of cherry picker is suitable for which purpose, when you might need a cherry picker, and when you should contact Performance Tower Hire? Here, we’ll reveal all.
What are Cherry Pickers and What Types are There?
Let’s start with the basics. What are cherry pickers?
While some may associate the term “cherry picker” with someone who picks cherries and other fruit, in terms of construction – particularly in Australia – a cherry picker is another word for an aerial lift platform or mobile elevating work platforms.
It has a vertical boom which is attached to a platform or bucket, in which a construction worker stands and is transported from place to place by the person operating the machinery.
At Performance Tower Hire, we specialise in supplying quality, reliable and safe cherry pickers for hire to professionals who work in the construction industry. Since 2015, we’ve made the construction industry our business and pride ourselves on providing our customers with nothing less than the best.
How Many Types of Cherry Pickers Are There
There are a few different types of cherry pickers, which we will detail below.
Articulating or Truck-Mounted Booms
Cherry pickers with articulating booms are designed to reach areas that are a little trickier to get to. Truck mounted booms – the type we at Performance Tower Hire specialise in – do pretty much what it says on the box. They are pre-mounted to vehicles and therefore easy to transport from location to location.
Telescopic Booms
As inferred by the name, telescopic booms are great when you need to work at high up.
Spider Lifts
Spider lifts have an arm that is designed to go up and over buildings and other areas. They are particularly useful when you’re working over uneven terrain or in tight, difficult or restricted areas.
Common Uses for Cherry Pickers
Even though cherry pickers are commonly used in construction, there are a number of reasons why you might hire one for your workers. Some of the most common (aside from construction) include:
- Electrical sports field lighting
- Servicing utilities such as telephone and electrical wiring
- Filming and photography
- Arbor services
- Assisting emergency services
When to Contact Performance Tower Hire
Since 2015, the team at Performance Tower Hire have made the hiring of truck-mounted travel tower equipment such as cherry pickers their core business, but our experience doesn’t stop there. We can also assist with any other site equipment, from traffic control, crane hire and temporary fencing.
Combined, our staff members are some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated in the industry, and we’re passing that knowledge on to you every time you contact one of our experts.
We’re committed to providing you with nothing but the best equipment and licensed cherry picker operators suited to your specific needs. There’s no one better than Performance Tower Hire when you need machinery to get the job done.
If you need to know more about hiring cherry pickers, or to arrange a booking, contact our reliable team today.
- Published in Cherry Pickers