Cherry pickers, also known as boom lifts or aerial work platforms, are versatile machines that provide a safe and efficient way to access hard-to-reach areas. These hydraulic platforms are mounted on a mobile vehicle or trailer, allowing operators to lift themselves and equipment to elevated heights with ease. From construction projects to maintenance work, cherry pickers are indispensable tools across various industries.
In this blog post, we will explore the seven most common uses for a cherry picker and why they are an essential piece of equipment for many tasks. If you’re looking for reliable and cost-effective cherry picker hire, visit Cherry Picker Fast for all your aerial access needs.
1. Building Maintenance and Cleaning
One of the most common uses for cherry pickers is building maintenance and cleaning. Whether it’s a commercial or residential property, reaching the upper levels of buildings can be a challenge without the right equipment. Cherry pickers make it easy to access windows, roofs, and fascia boards for routine maintenance and cleaning.
This is especially useful for high-rise buildings, where traditional ladders and scaffolding may not be practical or safe. Window cleaners often use cherry pickers to clean windows on tall structures efficiently and with minimal risk. Additionally, they are ideal for cleaning gutters, repairing roof tiles, and maintaining external signage.
Why Use a Cherry Picker for Building Maintenance?
- Safety: Provides a stable and secure platform to work from at height.
- Efficiency: Reduces the time spent setting up scaffolding or ladders.
- Flexibility: Easily manoeuvres around the exterior of buildings to access different areas.
2. Tree Surgery and Arboriculture
Another common use for cherry pickers is in tree surgery and arboriculture. Tree surgeons and arborists need to work at various heights to trim branches, remove deadwood, or even fell large trees. Using a cherry picker allows them to access the higher parts of a tree safely and efficiently, reducing the risks associated with climbing or using ladders.
Cherry pickers are particularly useful when working in urban areas where trees are located close to buildings, power lines, or other obstacles. They allow tree surgeons to reach the canopy and perform necessary work without causing damage to nearby structures or putting themselves in danger.
Benefits of Tree Surgery:
- Safety: Provides a stable platform for arborists to work from.
- Precision: Makes it easier to target specific branches for removal.
- Versatility: Can be used in urban or rural environments.
3. Film and Media Production
In the world of film and media production, cherry pickers are invaluable for capturing aerial shots and high-angle footage. Directors and camera operators can position their cameras at elevated heights to achieve dramatic and dynamic shots that would be impossible to capture from the ground.
In addition to filming, cherry pickers are often used for lighting and rigging equipment in outdoor shoots or large indoor venues. They provide a quick and flexible way to move equipment up and down, saving time and effort compared to more traditional rigging methods.
Cherry Pickers in Media Production:
- Flexibility: Easily manoeuvred to capture shots from various angles and heights.
- Efficiency: Speeds up the process of setting up and adjusting cameras or lighting.
- Safety: Provides a secure platform for camera operators and lighting technicians.
4. Construction and Building Work
Cherry pickers are widely used in construction for a variety of tasks, from installing steel beams to painting exterior walls. They provide a safe and efficient way for workers to perform tasks at height, particularly in the construction of multi-storey buildings or large-scale industrial sites.
Whether it’s lifting materials, installing windows, or conducting inspections, cherry pickers can significantly improve the speed and safety of construction projects. They are also ideal for reaching awkward spots that may be difficult to access with scaffolding or ladders.
Construction Applications:
- Window Installation: Cherry pickers make it easy to install windows at height.
- Roofing: Ideal for roofers working on large or multi-level buildings.
- Painting and Rendering: Offers a stable platform for exterior painting and surface finishing.
5. Telecommunications and Electrical Work
In the telecommunications and electrical industries, cherry pickers are commonly used to install and maintain equipment on telegraph poles, streetlights, and power lines. These industries require workers to frequently access equipment located at elevated heights, and cherry pickers provide a safe and efficient way to do this.
Engineers can quickly reach high-up electrical wiring, telephone cables, or antennae without needing to climb poles or use ladders. This makes the process of installing new lines or performing repairs much faster and less hazardous.
Benefits for Telecoms and Electrical Workers:
- Safety: Reduces the risk of working at height compared to using ladders.
- Speed: Allows engineers to quickly access equipment for installation or repair.
- Precision: Easy to position the cherry picker for precise work on power lines or cables.
6. Sign Installation and Maintenance
Installing and maintaining signs—whether they’re billboards, neon signs, or shopfront displays—often requires working at considerable heights. Cherry pickers provide a convenient and stable platform for workers to reach these elevated areas, ensuring signs are installed securely and correctly.
Cherry pickers are also used for the repair and cleaning of signs. Over time, outdoor signs can become dirty or damaged by weather, and regular maintenance is essential to keep them looking professional. With a cherry picker, maintenance teams can access signs quickly and efficiently without disrupting nearby traffic or pedestrians.
Why Use a Cherry Picker for Signage?
- Accessibility: Easily reach tall signs and billboards.
- Stability: Provides a secure platform for workers to install or repair signage.
- Efficiency: Minimises downtime by speeding up the installation and maintenance process.
7. Event Setup and Lighting
Cherry pickers are often used in the event industry to assist with setting up lighting rigs, sound systems, and decorations for festivals, concerts, or outdoor exhibitions. These events often require equipment to be positioned at height, whether it’s stage lighting, hanging banners, or setting up large temporary structures.
With a cherry picker, event organisers can install and adjust equipment with ease, ensuring everything is set up safely and efficiently. Cherry pickers can also be used to disassemble equipment after the event, providing a quick and flexible solution for both setup and teardown.
Uses in Event Setup:
- Lighting: Perfect for positioning and adjusting stage or venue lighting.
- Sound Systems: Used to install speakers or other equipment at height.
- Decorations: Allows for safe installation of banners, flags, and other event features.
Conclusion
Cherry pickers are an essential tool across a wide range of industries, offering a versatile and cost-effective solution for working at height. Whether it’s building maintenance, tree surgery, or event setup, cherry pickers provide a safe and efficient way to access hard-to-reach areas without the need for scaffolding or ladders.
If you need to hire a cherry picker for your next project, Cherry Picker Fast offers a reliable and convenient service, ensuring you have the right equipment for the job.
By incorporating cherry pickers into your operations, you can improve safety, efficiency, and precision, making them an invaluable asset for many tasks that require working at height.
