Cherry pickers, also known as boom lifts or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), are incredibly versatile machines that allow safe access to hard-to-reach areas. Whether you’re a building manager, a tree surgeon, a lighting technician or a contractor, cherry pickers provide a practical and efficient solution for working at height.
We’ll explore the benefits of cherry pickers growing uses across different industries. From construction sites to film sets, and from routine maintenance to emergency call-outs, cherry pickers are an essential piece of equipment in a wide range of sectors.
What Is a Cherry Picker?
A cherry picker is a hydraulic lifting platform mounted on a truck, van, trailer or self-propelled base. It features a cage or bucket attached to an extendable boom arm, which can be manoeuvred both vertically and horizontally to give workers safe access to elevated workspaces.
Originally developed for picking fruit (hence the name), cherry pickers have since evolved into vital equipment for industries that require safe, temporary access to height without scaffolding or ladders.
Building Maintenance and Repairs
One of the most frequent uses of cherry pickers is in building maintenance. For tasks like façade repairs, gutter cleaning, roof inspections, painting, and window cleaning, cherry pickers offer a fast and reliable way to reach high points without erecting scaffolding.
Hiring from Cherry Picker Fast will:
- Reduce setup time compared to scaffolding
- Offers better manoeuvrability for awkward or uneven surfaces
- Improves safety, especially on busy streets or compact sites
Property managers and facilities teams regularly hire cherry pickers for routine and reactive maintenance, particularly for office buildings, schools, retail parks and apartment blocks.
Tree Surgery and Arborist Work
For professional tree surgeons, cherry pickers provide a safer alternative to rope climbing in many cases. When dealing with large or damaged trees, elevated platforms allow precise pruning, removal, or crown reduction work while reducing the risk of falls.
Benefits of using a cherry picker in tree surgery include:
- Stability during high winds or unstable footing
- Improved control when working near roads, power lines, or buildings
- Reduced strain on workers during lengthy jobs
Many councils and private landowners now require the use of MEWPs in urban tree work due to safety regulations and public liability concerns.
Film and TV Production
Cherry pickers play a major role in film, television and commercial production. Whether it’s hoisting lighting rigs, setting up crane shots, or positioning camera operators at specific heights, these machines are a common sight on set.
Advantages for film crews include:
- Precise control over height and angle
- Stable platform for heavy equipment
- Quick repositioning between shots
For larger productions, several cherry pickers may be used simultaneously to create elaborate lighting setups or sweeping camera movements. Their versatility makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor shoots, from studio work to location filming.
Signage, Lighting and Electrical Work
Installing or repairing external signage, public lighting and overhead electrical equipment often requires temporary access at height. In these cases, cherry pickers provide an efficient and mobile solution for electricians, sign fitters and lighting contractors.
Common uses include:
- Installing new streetlights or decorative displays
- Replacing signage on retail buildings or commercial sites
- Carrying out electrical work on exterior fixtures and poles
Unlike scaffolding, which may block pedestrian areas or require extensive setup, cherry pickers allow workers to complete jobs with minimal disruption.
Construction and Site Work
Cherry pickers are widely used on construction sites for tasks that involve working at height, especially during the later stages of a project. From cladding installation to glazing and high-level snagging, boom lifts provide a safe and reliable solution.
Construction companies often hire cherry pickers for:
- Accessing external elevations of multi-storey buildings
- Inspecting steel frames and roofing structures
- Working in confined or uneven terrain using all-terrain MEWPs
Their flexibility is especially useful on sites with changing layouts and multiple work zones. Articulated booms can navigate around obstacles, making them suitable for complex projects.
Emergency and Reactive Work
Cherry pickers are also called upon in emergency scenarios. In the event of storm damage, fallen trees, or urgent building repairs, access to height needs to be safe and fast. Emergency responders, councils, and utility companies often rely on cherry picker hire to carry out quick assessments or secure dangerous structures.
Examples of emergency uses include:
- Fixing storm-damaged roofs or flashing
- Removing unstable tree limbs after high winds
- Making buildings safe following a fire or accident
Many hire providers offer short-notice and out-of-hours service to support emergency response teams and critical infrastructure.
Choosing the Right Cherry Picker for the Job
The best cherry picker for your needs depends on several key factors:
- Height requirements: Different models offer working heights ranging from 10 to 30+ metres.
- Outreach: Some cherry pickers can extend sideways to reach over obstacles or rooflines.
- Access conditions: Consider whether the site is paved, sloped or uneven, as this will affect the type of base needed (e.g. tracked vs wheeled).
- Indoor vs outdoor use: Electric cherry pickers are ideal for indoor environments, while diesel models are better suited to outdoor, heavy-duty work.
Most hire companies offer expert guidance and will help you choose a model based on your specific site conditions and safety requirements.
Safety Considerations
Using a cherry picker involves working at height, so it’s essential to follow all relevant safety guidelines. All operators should be properly trained, typically through a recognised qualification such as IPAF (International Powered Access Federation).
Important safety measures include:
- Conducting a full site risk assessment
- Ensuring operators wear fall protection (such as harnesses)
- Checking weather conditions, especially wind speeds
- Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and weight limits
Reputable hire companies will inspect and maintain their equipment regularly and provide safety documentation with each hire.
Final Thoughts
Cherry pickers are essential for a wide range of tasks across different industries. Whether you’re carrying out building repairs, performing delicate tree work, filming a new production or maintaining public infrastructure, these machines offer a safe, efficient and flexible way to access height.
With the right training and equipment, cherry pickers reduce risk, speed up tasks, and minimise the need for more expensive or permanent access solutions. As more sectors continue to adopt MEWPs, their role in modern operations is only set to grow.
If your next project involves working above ground level, a cherry picker could be the most practical and professional choice.
