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If you’re coming across the phrase ‘cherry pickers’ for the first time, you’d likely assume that it is a tool for picking cherries. Well, you’re not wrong. Cherry pickers were originally designed to pick cherries, but they have since evolved to be used for a variety of other tasks. So, what is a cherry picker in the modern world, and what does it do?
Today, a cherry picker is an aerial work platform that you can use to reach high and inaccessible areas. Although some people still use this machine to harvest fruits in orchards, it is more commonly used by construction companies and fire departments.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Cherry Picker Machine?
A cherry picker machine is a simple work platform that you can adjust to different heights using a hydraulic system. This tool, also known as a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) or boom lift, is equipped with a bucket attached to a telescopic arm. The hydraulic system and telescopic arm allow you to raise or lower the bucket.
The name ‘cherry picker’ comes from the fact that this machine was originally used for picking fruits from the upper branches of various types of trees. In the original designs, the cherry picker was mounted on the back of a truck, and someone had to stay on the ground to control the basket into the proper position. As a result, you needed at least two people to operate those cherry pickers.
Note: Modern models come with controls mounted on the platform that allows one person to operate them. The person can pack the truck, enter the basket and manoeuvre it with those controls.
What Is A Cherry Picker Used For?
A cherry picker is used for a wide range of tasks in construction and other industries. It is quite versatile, and you can use it as an alternative to several other tools. While a ladder serves the same purpose as cherry pickers, it’s not as safe, and it does not offer the same mobility. Here are some of the major uses of cherry pickers in various industries:
- Utility Jobs: If you work with utility infrastructure, cherry pickers can make your job easier and safer. They can assist you in reaching high places to install and remove items such as pipes, cables, wires and streetlights.
- Window Washing: We live in a modern world where buildings keep getting taller. As a result, it has become difficult to do some basic tasks, such as cleaning the windows. Cleaning companies often use cherry pickers to reach and wash the windows of tall buildings.
- Painting: This mobile elevated work platform can be an alternative to scaffolding and ladders when painting. It is safer and allows you to carry on with your task without fear. You can also use cherry pickers to carry painting products without having to leave the platform.
- Tree Trimming: Even tall trees require trimming. Cherry pickers can be used to trim trees too tall for humans to reach.
- Filming Events: You can also use cherry pickers for concerts and sporting events. They allow you to film from the best angles, yielding better results than shooting from ground level.
Note: To operate a cherry picker at your job, you must undergo a qualified IPAF training course and obtain a licence.
Cherry Picker Types
There are various types of cherry pickers. Each one differs in terms of its applications and physical characteristics. We’ll briefly go over some of the most different types of cherry pickers and their uses.
1. Booms
Booms are the most popular types of cherry picker, and there are different kinds, ranging from telescopic and articulating booms to spider lifts and towable booms.
- Telescopic ones, also known as straight booms, are designed to reach exceptional heights.
- You can use articulating booms to reach the most challenging work areas. They feature boom arms with a pivot point that allows them to extend over obstacles.
- A spider lift is a lightweight self-propelled, boom-type mobile elevating work platform. It provides great flexibility and allows you to work in narrow areas.
- Towable booms are the most portable type of boom lifts. In most cases, they are articulating or telescopic models mounted on trailers.
Tip: Pay attention to the task at hand and your working environment when selecting a cherry picker.
2. Mast Lifts
Mast lifts are a type of cherry picker that allows you to access high-reaching areas. Their main advantage is operating in narrow aisles, making them ideal for industrial overhead maintenance.
3. Stock Pickers
A stock picker is a type of boom lift that is used in storage facilities. This equipment helps operators reach materials needed for filling out orders. They take the operator up and down the rack.
Hire a cherry picker from SDVH today and elevate your projects to new heights while ensuring safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It Called A Cherry Picker?
It is called a cherry picker because this machine was originally used to pick cherry fruits in orchards. Farmers used this equipment in orchards to access fruits at the top of the tree that were difficult to reach. Over decades, these types of machines have evolved, and you can find workers operating them for various other things, like washing windows, for example.
Are Cherry Pickers Safe?
Yes, cherry pickers are safe. In most cases, these machines offer more stability and mobility than a ladder and other similar tools. However, due to the height, a fall from a cherry picker can cause serious injuries or even be fatal. When using a cherry picker, make sure you follow proper safety procedures to avoid accidents.
Is A Cherry Picker A MEWP?
Yes, a cherry picker is a MEWP. A mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) is any equipment that allows workers to access places that are usually difficult to access because of their height. A cherry picker is a type of MEWP that workers commonly use in the construction industry as well as firefighters.
Conclusion
It can be hard to choose the right cherry picker knowing there are many options out there. Luckily, ‘what is a cherry picker’ is not a mystery anymore to you. Moreover, you now know the different types of it and their features, so you are ready to find and select the appropriate equipment. Please note that while this is the best elevated-access tool regarding safety, you still need to take proper precautions to avoid accidents.
