On paper, hiring a cherry picker seems simple – call up a place, book the gear, and off you go. But in reality, it’s surprisingly easy to get caught out. I’ve seen seasoned tradies make rookie errors, and first-timers get blindsided by things they didn’t even know to check. The fallout? Lost hours, wasted cash, and in the worst cases, a safety scare you really don’t want.
Hiring the Wrong Type of Machinery
Figuring Out Which Cherry Picker You Actually Need
Cherry pickers aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Pick the wrong one, and you could be staring at a worksite wondering why you can’t even start. There are a few main types you’ll run into:
- Telescopic Cherry Pickers – Straight up and down, great for hitting those high spots directly overhead. Perfect for roof repairs or fixing power lines.
- Articulating Boom Lifts – These bend and pivot, making them perfect for weaving around obstacles to reach awkward spots.
- Spider Lifts – Lightweight and nimble, these can squeeze into spaces you’d never expect a lift to fit.
- Truck-Mounted Cherry Pickers – Fast to set up, easy to move from site to site—this is the kind we specialise in at Performance Tower Hire.
If you’re not sure, don’t just guess. A quick chat with someone who knows their gear (or even a peek at our guide comparing boom lifts and cherry pickers) can save you from a lot of hassle later.
Misjudging the Height You Need
One of the biggest mistakes is miscalculating how high your cherry picker needs to reach. Cherry pickers vary significantly, from 16m up to 54m. Selecting equipment with insufficient height could halt your job altogether.
Before contacting a hire service, measure from the ground up and add a few metres for safety and mobility. If you’re unsure, Performance Tower Hire can provide expert guidance; visit our page for more information on the maximum reach of a cherry picker.
Not Planning the Job Properly
Know Your Job Inside Out
One mistake people make all the time is not nailing down exactly what they need the cherry picker for. If your plan’s loose or you’ve left out the details, you could find yourself hanging onto the machine longer than you thought and burning through your budget in the process.
Clearly outline:
- Tasks to be completed
- Time needed
- Number of workers involved
Proper planning helps you choose the right machine, avoiding expensive overtime or rehire scenarios.
Using Equipment for the Wrong Purpose
Cherry pickers are made for getting people up where they need to work, not for hauling heavy stuff or pretending they’re cranes. Pile on too much weight or use them the wrong way and you’re setting yourself up for trouble. That’s when accidents happen, gear breaks, and repair bills start stacking up. Use the machine for what it’s built for and you’ll keep the site safe and everything running as it should.
Poor Site Access Planning
Check Your Site First
You finally get the cherry picker delivered, only to find it can’t even make it to the job site. Maybe the driveway’s too tight, power lines are hanging low, or the ground’s too rough. Any one of those can throw your whole plan off before you even start.
Avoid this scenario by:
- Checking entry widths and heights
- Noting overhead obstructions like trees and power lines
- Considering terrain stability and ground firmness
If you have questions about access, our experienced team at Performance Tower Hire can help you assess the site beforehand, avoiding costly mistakes.
Ignoring Safety Protocols
Never treat safety as an optional extra. If you skip the pre-checks or ignore risks like low-hanging power lines or soft, uneven ground, you’re gambling with more than just the job; you’re risking lives. It only takes one overlooked detail for something to go badly wrong.
Always:
- Check the machine over before you start work
- Use the right fall protection gear
- Follow the safety rules from start to finish
Safety underpins everything we do at Performance Tower Hire. If safety’s your priority too, you might appreciate our article on the benefits of hiring a cherry picker, which highlights the safety advantages.
Underestimating the Cost
Budget Realistically
Hiring a cherry picker can be great value, but if you guess your hire period wrong or forget about extra costs, your budget can blow out faster than you expect.To prevent unexpected costs, factor in:
- The duration of hire is accurately
- Operator costs (if applicable)
- Delivery and setup fees
Always ask for a full quote before you commit. If you want a better idea of what to expect, check out our detailed guide on cherry picker hire costs.
Letting Someone Without a Licence Operate the Machine
Elevated work platforms can only be run by licensed, properly trained operators. Handing the controls to someone without the right ticket is not only illegal but can also lead to big fines and, even worse, serious injuries.
Skipping Pre-Rental Inspections
Check Before You Start
Plenty of people jump straight in without giving the machine a proper once-over first. That quick check matters; a small fault you miss at the start can snowball into a big, costly problem later.
Always inspect:
- Controls and safety mechanisms
- Hydraulic hoses and connections
- Platform stability and anchor points
All Performance Tower Hire equipment is rigorously inspected and maintained, giving you peace of mind every time.
Overloading the Platform
There’s a good reason cherry pickers come with weight limits. Push past them and you could tip the whole thing over or wreck the equipment. Follow the load limits and you’ll keep both yourself and everyone nearby out of harm’s way.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
The best way to dodge all these hassles is to hire from a company you know you can rely on. At Performance Tower Hire, we’ve built a name as one of Brisbane’s trusted cherry picker hire teams. We know the gear, we know the jobs, and we make it easy to get what you need without the stress.
Whether you’re after a simple dry hire or need a fully operated machine, we can match the hire to your project. Our cherry picker hire service is available around the clock, ready to give you straight-up advice and help keep your work moving without delays or surprise costs.
Hiring a Cherry Picker? Speak to Performance Tower Hire Today
Don’t risk wasted time, blown budgets, or safety scares. At Performance Tower Hire, we’ll match you with the perfect machine for your job, handle the hard stuff, and keep your project moving without costly surprises.
Call us now on 1300784473 and let’s get your job done right the first time.
FAQ Section
Why do people hire the wrong type of cherry picker?
Usually due to a lack of clarity about their project’s specific requirements. Talking to a professional can clear this up.
Why is misjudging the required height a common mistake?
Because people often guess instead of measuring accurately. Precise measurements ensure the right equipment choice.
Why don’t people always plan the actual work thoroughly?
A lot of folks go in thinking the job will be faster or simpler than it actually is. But if you put in the work to plan it properly from the start, things tend to run more smoothly and you’re less likely to blow the budget.
Why is using a cherry picker incorrectly risky?
The equipment can get damaged, its a safety issue, and you can end up with bills and legal issues you really don’t want.
Why does insufficient site access cause issues?
If you don’t plan access properly, you can end up with machines stuck on the sidelines, wasting time and money while the site sits idle.
Why do some neglect safety protocols when hiring equipment?
Usually due to rushing or complacency, both of which are dangerous.
Why do projects underestimate the total hire cost?
They often forget about additional fees like delivery or operators.
Why do unlicensed operators sometimes get involved?
Often due to cost-saving attempts, but this is unsafe and illegal.
Why are pre-rental inspections skipped?
Usually due to assumptions about equipment reliability, but inspections prevent surprise issues.
Why do people overload the cherry picker platform?
Overloading happens when users ignore or misunderstand the equipment’s load capacity, creating dangerous situations.
