How Does Cherry Picker Hire Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

Cherry pickers, also known as aerial work platforms (AWPs), have become indispensable tools across various industries, providing safe and efficient access to elevated work areas. From construction and maintenance to cleaning, painting, and even tree surgery, these versatile machines offer a practical alternative to traditional scaffolding or ladders. However, navigating the process of cherry picker hire can seem daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with the equipment and regulations involved.

This comprehensive guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of how cherry picker hire in London works, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, ensure safety, and maximise efficiency on your next elevated project.

Step 1: Assessing Your Needs and Choosing the Right Cherry Picker

The first and most crucial step is to accurately assess your project requirements. Consider the following factors to determine the type of cherry picker that best suits your needs:

• Working Height: Determine the maximum height you need to reach. This will dictate the required platform height and overall reach of the cherry picker.
• Weight Capacity: Calculate the total weight of workers, tools, and materials that will be on the platform simultaneously. Ensure that the cherry picker’s weight capacity exceeds this figure with a comfortable safety margin.
• Work Area: Assess the size and accessibility of your work area. Consider factors such as narrow doorways, uneven terrain, and overhead obstructions.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor Use: Determine whether the cherry picker will be used indoors or outdoors. Electric-powered cherry pickers are typically preferred for indoor use due to their quiet operation and lack of emissions, while diesel-powered models are better suited for outdoor environments.
• Ground Conditions: Evaluate the ground conditions at your work site. If the ground is soft or uneven, you may need a cherry picker with specialised tyres or outriggers for added stability.

Based on these factors, you can choose from a variety of cherry picker types, including:

• Boom Lifts: Offer excellent reach and manoeuvrability, ideal for accessing difficult-to-reach areas. These can be further divided into telescopic boom lifts (straight reach) and articulated boom lifts (up and over capabilities).
• Scissor Lifts: Provide a stable platform that rises vertically, suitable for tasks requiring a large working area at a fixed height.
• Spider Lifts: Compact and lightweight, designed for navigating confined spaces and uneven terrain. They often have outriggers for added stability.
• Truck-Mounted Cherry Pickers: Offer mobility and convenience, allowing you to travel between job sites quickly and easily.

Step 2: Finding a Reputable Hire Company

Once you know what type of cherry picker you need, the next step is to find a reputable hire company. Look for a company with:

• A Wide Range of Equipment: A diverse fleet of cherry pickers to meet a variety of needs.
• Well-Maintained Equipment: Cherry pickers that are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safety and reliability.
• Competitive Pricing: Transparent and competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
• Excellent Customer Service: A knowledgeable and responsive team that can assist you with choosing the right equipment and answer any questions you may have.
• Proper Licensing and Insurance: A company that is fully licensed and insured to operate and hire out cherry pickers.
• Comprehensive Training Programs: Offering certified training programs to ensure that operators are competent and safe.
• Positive Reviews and Testimonials: Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction.

Step 3: Obtaining a Quote and Booking the Hire

Contact several hire companies to obtain quotes for the cherry picker you need. Be sure to provide them with accurate information about your project requirements, including the working height, weight capacity, and duration of the hire.

When comparing quotes, consider not only the price but also the terms and conditions of the hire agreement. Pay close attention to:

• Delivery and Collection Charges: Determine whether delivery and collection are included in the price or charged separately.
• Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the hire agreement includes adequate insurance coverage for damage to the equipment or third-party liability.
• Cancellation Policy: Understand the cancellation policy in case your project is delayed or cancelled.
• Maintenance and Repair Responsibilities: Clarify who is responsible for maintenance and repairs during the hire period.
• Operating Restrictions: Be aware of any operating restrictions, such as weight limits, wind speed limitations, or prohibited uses.

Once you’ve chosen a hire company and reviewed the agreement, you can book the hire. Be sure to confirm the delivery date, time, and location, and provide any necessary access instructions.

Step 4: Ensuring Proper Operator Training

Operating a cherry picker requires specialised training to ensure safety and prevent accidents. Before using the equipment, ensure that all operators have received proper training and certification from a recognised training provider.

Training programs typically cover:

• Equipment Inspection: How to properly inspect the cherry picker before use to identify any potential problems.
• Safe Operating Procedures: Best practices for operating the cherry picker safely, including pre-start checks, hazard identification, and emergency procedures.
• Load Capacity and Stability: Understanding the cherry picker’s load capacity and how to maintain stability.
• Emergency Lowering Procedures: How to safely lower the platform in case of an emergency or equipment malfunction.
• Working at Height Regulations: An overview of relevant regulations and best practices for working at height.

Step 5: Performing a Pre-Use Inspection

Before each use, it is essential to perform a thorough pre-use inspection of the cherry picker. This inspection should include:

• Checking Fluid Levels: Ensuring that hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and coolant levels are adequate.
• Inspecting Tires and Wheels: Checking for damage, wear, and proper inflation.
• Testing Controls: Verifying that all controls are functioning properly, including the lift, drive, and steering mechanisms.
• Inspecting Safety Devices: Checking that safety devices such as guardrails, harnesses, and emergency stop buttons are in good working order.
• Looking for Leaks or Damage: Inspect the cherry picker for any signs of leaks, damage, or wear.

Any problems identified during the pre-use inspection should be reported to the hire company immediately and resolved before operating the equipment.

Step 6: Operating the Cherry Picker Safely

When operating a cherry picker, it is crucial to follow all safety guidelines and best practices. These include:

• Wearing Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Including a hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, and appropriate footwear.
• Maintaining a Safe Distance from Obstructions: Avoid contact with overhead power lines, trees, or other obstructions.
• Operating Within Load Capacity: Never exceeding the cherry picker’s rated load capacity.
• Maintaining Stability: Ensuring that the cherry picker is positioned on a level surface and that outriggers are properly deployed, if applicable.
• Using Fall Protection Equipment: Always wear a safety harness and lanyard when working on the platform.
• Monitoring Weather Conditions: Avoid operating the cherry picker in high winds, heavy rain, or other hazardous weather conditions.
• Communicating Effectively: Using clear communication signals with ground personnel.
• Following Manufacturer’s Instructions: Adhering to all operating instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Step 7: Returning the Cherry Picker and Inspecting for Damage

Upon completion of the hire period, return the cherry picker to the hire company as agreed. Before returning the equipment, perform a thorough inspection to identify any damage that may have occurred during your use. Report any damage to the hire company immediately. Taking photos or videos of the cherry picker before and after use can provide valuable documentation in case of disputes.

Conclusion

Cherry picker hire offers a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution for a wide range of elevated work tasks. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the hiring process with confidence, ensure the safety of your workers, and maximise the productivity of your project. Remember to always prioritise safety, choose a reputable hire company, and ensure that all operators are properly trained and certified. With careful planning and diligent execution, cherry picker hire can be a valuable asset to your business or project.