Cherry pickers are versatile and essential tools for working at heights. Whether you’re in construction, maintenance, or event setup, these machines provide a safe and efficient way to access hard-to-reach areas. In Surrey, where diverse projects range from tree care to building inspections, cherry picker hire is a popular solution. But with so many types available, how do you choose the right one for your needs?
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of cherry pickers for hire in Surrey, their features, and the specific tasks they are best suited for.
Why Hire a Cherry Picker in Surrey?
Hiring a cherry picker offers flexibility and cost savings for short- or medium-term projects. Surrey, with its mix of urban developments and green spaces, demands a variety of solutions for working at height. From clearing trees in Guildford to inspecting roofs in Woking, cherry pickers can make challenging jobs safer and more efficient.
Key Benefits of Cherry Picker Hire
- Cost-Effective: No need for upfront investment or maintenance costs.
- Access to Modern Equipment: Rental companies offer the latest models with advanced safety features.
- Flexibility: Choose the right machine for each specific job, whether it’s compact models for tight spaces or large booms for extended reach.
Types of Cherry Pickers Available for Hire in Surrey
Cherry pickers come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to suit specific tasks. Cherry Picker Fast, is a local cherry picker operator and can advise which is best to hire.
1. Articulated Boom Lifts
Articulated boom lifts, also known as knuckle booms, have a segmented arm that bends at multiple points. This flexibility allows them to reach around obstacles, making them ideal for jobs in tight or awkward spaces.
Best For:
- Building maintenance where obstacles like trees or signage need to be avoided.
- Repairing or painting hard-to-reach corners of structures.
- Installing or maintaining streetlights in urban areas.
Advantages:
- Excellent manoeuvrability.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Can be powered by diesel, electricity, or hybrid systems.
Popular Surrey Uses:
Articulated booms are often used in Dorking for maintaining historic buildings or in leafy areas like Weybridge for tree care.
2. Telescopic Boom Lifts
Telescopic boom lifts, also called stick booms, feature a straight arm that extends horizontally or vertically. They offer the longest reach of all cherry picker types, making them perfect for high-rise projects.
Best For:
- Reaching tall structures like chimneys or high-rise windows.
- Industrial projects requiring extended horizontal outreach.
Advantages:
- Exceptional reach for both height and distance.
- Strong stability, even at full extension.
- Ideal for outdoor use on large, open sites.
Popular Surrey Uses:
In areas like Woking and Croydon, telescopic boom lifts are frequently hired for commercial building maintenance or large-scale construction.
3. Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts move vertically using a criss-crossing support system. While they lack the reach of boom lifts, they provide a stable, spacious platform for workers and tools.
Best For:
- Jobs requiring vertical movement within a limited height range.
- Indoor tasks like warehouse maintenance or electrical work.
- Installing signage in shopping centres or retail spaces.
Advantages:
- Wide platforms for multiple workers or equipment.
- Simple and safe operation.
- Electric models are quiet and emission-free, ideal for indoor use.
Popular Surrey Uses:
Scissor lifts are commonly hired in retail hubs like Kingston for interior maintenance or warehouse management in industrial estates across Surrey.
4. Trailer-Mounted Cherry Pickers
Trailer-mounted cherry pickers, or towable cherry pickers, are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and set up. They are a versatile choice for quick, short-term tasks.
Best For:
- Projects requiring mobility, such as roadworks or landscaping.
- Smaller maintenance jobs on residential properties.
Advantages:
- Easy to tow to different locations.
- Quick setup and takedown.
- Cost-effective for short-term hire.
Popular Surrey Uses:
In residential areas like Esher or Epsom, trailer-mounted cherry pickers are ideal for gutter cleaning or trimming trees.
5. Spider Lifts
Spider lifts are compact machines with extendable legs, allowing them to stabilise on uneven terrain. Their small size and lightweight design make them perfect for sites with limited access.
Best For:
- Navigating narrow pathways or restricted areas.
- Working on uneven ground like parks or gardens.
- Indoor projects where larger machines are impractical.
Advantages:
- Compact and easy to manoeuvre.
- Lightweight and gentle on delicate surfaces.
- Stable on rough or uneven terrain.
Popular Surrey Uses:
Spider lifts are widely used in Surrey’s parks and heritage sites, such as in Reigate or Farnham, for tree care or maintenance of historical buildings.
6. Truck-Mounted Cherry Pickers
Truck-mounted cherry pickers are cherry picker platforms attached to trucks, providing mobility and reach. They are often used for short-term tasks that require access to multiple locations.
Best For:
- Roadside maintenance like streetlight repairs or banner installation.
- Jobs requiring rapid relocation between multiple sites.
Advantages:
- Quick to deploy and relocate.
- Suitable for long-distance projects.
- Powerful reach and stability.
Popular Surrey Uses:
Truck-mounted cherry pickers are commonly used in towns like Leatherhead or Egham for utility maintenance and event preparation.
How to Choose the Right Cherry Picker for Your Project
Choosing the right cherry picker depends on several factors:
1. Height and Reach Requirements
- Determine the height and distance your project requires.
- Telescopic booms are ideal for extreme heights, while scissor lifts are best for lower vertical tasks.
2. Terrain Type
- For smooth, indoor surfaces, scissor lifts or compact spider lifts are ideal.
- For uneven outdoor terrain, consider a spider lift or articulated boom.
3. Mobility Needs
- If you need to move between locations, a truck-mounted or trailer-mounted cherry picker is the best choice.
4. Project Duration
- Short-term tasks may benefit from cost-effective options like trailer-mounted cherry pickers.
- For longer projects, choose a durable machine with features tailored to your needs.
Why Hire Cherry Pickers in Surrey?
Surrey offers a wide variety of projects, from urban construction to rural maintenance. Hiring cherry pickers allows businesses and homeowners to access the latest models without the cost of ownership. Plus, local hire companies in Surrey such as Cherry Picker Fast, ensure you get well-maintained equipment, expert advice, and flexible rental options.
Local Expertise
Reputable Surrey-based hire companies understand the region’s unique needs, whether it’s working on narrow village streets or open industrial sites.
Cost-Effective Solutions
By hiring, you avoid the expenses of purchasing, maintaining, and storing equipment, while still gaining access to top-tier machinery.
Conclusion
From articulated booms to spider lifts, cherry pickers offer safe and efficient solutions for working at height. In Surrey, the variety of projects and terrains requires a range of options, and hiring ensures you get the right machine for the job. By considering your specific project needs, terrain, and mobility requirements, you can choose a cherry-picker that enhances both safety and productivity.
Ready to hire the perfect cherry picker in Surrey? Contact Cherry Picker Fast today to explore our range of options and find the ideal solution for your next project.