If you are working on any kind of project that requires work at height, a cherry picker could be an invaluable tool. Although originally designed for fruit picking (as you might have guessed from the name) these pieces of machinery have evolved to become valuable in everything from home maintenance and decorating, through to construction work.
Cherry pickers themselves offer an excellent alternative to erecting static scaffolding, providing greater flexibility and an easy way to get to hard-to-reach areas at height. Whether you are cleaning windows, clearing gutters, fixing the roof, or installing a flue, they can be the perfect choice to get the job done easily and efficiently.
But before you simply hire the first cherry picker you find, it is important to first consider some key questions about the job and the hire. These questions will help you inform the kind of cherry picker you need, as well as help you understand if you require any assistance in operating it.
Can you operate it yourself?
Perhaps the most important question you need to ask is: do you have the experience and licence to operate a cherry picker legally? It should be pointed out that anyone with a standard UK driving licence can operate a cherry picker under 3.5 tons without having to get any further qualifications.
If may be the case that if you received your driving licence before 1994, you may be able to operate a cherry picker up to 7.5 tons. Larger models and some specialist cherry pickers will need to be operated by a trained and qualified professional.
Thankfully you can easily opt for operated hire if you aren’t sure if you have the experience, or simply would prefer someone do it for you.
What raise and reach do you need?
Clearly when it comes to choosing the right cherry picker for the work, you need to understand the requirements of the job. Of course, not all cherry pickers are alike so you need to make sure that you are choosing one that can provide you with the height that you need to do the job.
It is always best to overestimate the maximum height that you will need. Having a platform that can get a little higher can be beneficial.
How heavy can the equipment be?
Remember that it is also important to check the weight that the cherry picker can handle. If you are going to be taking up anything particularly heavy, you may need a specific type of cherry picker that can take the weight.
The amount of weight you need to take into the cherry picker will affect its maximum height, so this should also be a part of your consideration.
Is the work inside or outside?
It is possible to use cherry pickers for both internal and external work. However, doing either might change the specific neds for the picker itself. For example, if you are working inside, you may need to prioritise an electric machine over a diesel-powered cherry picker. Pickers that are powered with diesel will emit fumes.
If you are using your cherry picker outside, you’ll need to think about the surface that you are going use it on. If you have a sloped surface, or if the surface immediately below the work is unsuitable, you may need to use the cherry picker a little further away. This will naturally mean you will require a picker with a longer reach.
If you are interested in learning more about the range of cherry pickers available, MC Property Maintenance has been providing them to customers for many years. Get in contact with the experienced team today to learn more.