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.
