4 things to consider when hiring a cherry picker

Whether you need to access the upper floors of a construction, fix a roof or gutters, trim high branches or even pick some cherries, cherry pickers are versatile machines that give you instant reach without the need for scaffolding.

Before you hire an elevated work platform, here are some questions to ask that could help you and your hire company to decide which type of access equipment is best for you.

What size and type of equipment do you need?

Not all access equipment is created equal. Some can reach greater heights, some can go around corners and others are mobile. You need to consider both vertical and horizontal reach when deciding which option is ideal.

The three common types of cherry pickers are:

• Straight booms – these offer the highest vertical reach (over 45m), making them a popular choice for many construction and maintenance jobs. However, they're less manoeuvrable than other options.
• Knuckle booms – these articulated booms offer greater horizontal reach when an up-and-over approach is required to get around walls, trees and other obstacles. They can be manoeuvred above and below ground level.
• Trailer-mounted booms – these mobile cherry pickers can be towed or used on a firm surface for access on the go. Suitable for cleaning windows, painting and other tasks indoors or on level ground.

Will you be working indoors or outdoors?

The terrain and environment you'll be working in also affects your cherry picker hire decision.

If you're working indoors in a controlled environment, electric or hybrid knuckle booms will reduce emissions and could help your company to meet its emission standards.

If you're working outside, especially in strong wind, you may need the extra power of a diesel cherry picker. If you're working on sloping or rough terrain, find out if your hire company has track and spider booms for extra stability.

What are the hazards?

You should carry out a full safety assessment before introducing any hire equipment to your site, as there could be hazards that limit their maximum height or weight. These may include:

• overhead power lines
• overheard obstructions such as trees, eaves or balconies
• soft ground or green concrete
• inclines or embankments

Do you need a licence?

To operate Elevating Work Platforms (EWP) over 11 metres in height, you'll need a WorkCover High Risk Work Licence. For platforms under 11 metres, you'll need an EWP Operator Ticket (Yellow Card). If you don't have a licensed EWP operator on your team, you'll need to complete a training and assessment course provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in your state. These courses can take 1 to 3 days, depending on the type of licence.

Where can I hire a cherry picker?

If you need cherry picker hire for any purpose, talk to Coates. We've got the largest fleet of access hire equipment in Australia, available in all sizes and diesel, electric and hybrid options. Our experts can recommend the right equipment for your project's needs. Find your local Coates branch.