There are all kinds, types, shapes, and sizes of construction machines out there. You’ve got your classic JCB diggers, used worldwide for excavating the land and moving heavy objects about. Then, on the other end of the scale, huge cranes are used in all corners of the globe for working at height. 

But, what about smaller projects or other jobs that require some height assistance? Sure, there’s always the option of scaffolding, but what if you don’t want a huge construction cost for one small task? Enter the cherry picker! In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about what cherry pickers are and how they might be useful for you. Whether you’re looking to do a big DIY project or you are new to the construction industry, read on to find out everything about these handy little vehicles! 

What is a Cherry Picker

Quite simply, a cherry picker is a four-wheeled vehicle with a raisable platform on top. You can maneuver it into place on a site and raise the platform to your desired height. In most cases, they reach anything from 10-25 meters in height. However, there are some cherry pickers on the market these days with a reach of almost 35 meters. That’s an incredibly high reach level, especially without the need for scaffolding.

Although these are movable vehicles, they are not suitable for driving on the roads. A cherry picker will usually be transported on the back of a construction truck before being wheeled off and then driven around a construction site. You wouldn’t want to take one down the freeway! 

Who Might Use One

Anyone who is working at height may find a cherry picker useful. Whether you are looking at some roofing or maintaining telegraph poles, pros would recommend cherry pickers for this kind of work. Let’s take a closer look at some of the tasks and industries that may use cherry pickers.

Window Cleaners

Window cleaners often work at ground level, cleaning storefronts, and house windows. However, they are often required to work at heights as well. Sometimes, high-rise buildings have platforms that hang outside windows to clean them. If they do not, a cherry picker is a perfect tool to emulate them, helping the cleaners get close to the glass without needing any further gear.

Construction Workers

It goes without saying that cherry pickers are regularly used on construction sites. There are countless tasks that require the ability to quickly work from height. In renovations, there may be a need to assess and repair a roof without a scaffold. In new builds, they may need to work on high ceilings before a scaffold is erected. In some cases, they may be used to help remove scaffold! 

Rescue and Fire Crews

Many fire engines have the equivalent of a cherry picker on the back of them. These are used to get to extremely high windows to help put fires out from above - or put out fires in skyscrapers. Not all fire crews have these, though.

In some cases, a simple cherry picker can be the tool of choice. When rescuing someone from a fire, from a tree, or from another height, a cherry picker is an amazing way to reach the height quickly and transfer a person or animal onto the platform. 

People who Pick Cherries!

Well, where did you think the name came from? Cherry Pickers are used for grabbing fruits from high trees and bushes! They give the workers the chance to get super close to cherries, berries, and other fruits, and be able to place them in a basket without dropping them onto the floor. This helps keep the fruit fresh and intact, while also keeping the farmers safe.

Where to Find One

If you are in the market for a cherry picker, you may be wondering how to get your hands on one. Firstly, it is worth noting that they shouldn’t be operated by anyone who isn’t trained to do so. If you have no training or experience with this kind of machinery, speak to an expert. 

If you’re confident, get out there and find yourself a cherry picker! There are plenty of awesome online marketplaces for second-hand tools like this. Plus, many building merchants will have them available to rent for trade customers.

If you need a cherry picker - or maybe you didn’t even realize you did - hopefully this guide has helped you understand them. Remember to follow all safety protocols and be safe when working at heights. These things go surprisingly high, so you need to look after yourself!