Scissor Lift vs Cherry Picker: What’s Best for You?
Last Updated: 21 November 2025
In this blog, we look at the differences between scissor lifts and cherry pickers, and help you decide which one best suits your needs.
Scissor lifts are generally better for more simple, vertical jobs that require a stable platform, whereas cherry pickers are better for tasks that require vertical and horizontal reach, especially in hard to reach areas.
How to choose between a cherry picker and a scissor lift?
When picking between a cherry picker and scissor lift, consider the following:
- The job requirements: Do you need vertical or horizontal reach? Do you have obstacles to navigate? Is it in a hard to reach area? What load capacity do you require?
- The environment: Will you be using the machinery indoor or outdoor, or both? Is there uneven terrain?
If you’re unsure which type of powered access platform is best for your needs, one of our friendly team members can help – get in touch.
Scissor Lifts vs Cherry Pickers
We’ve summarised the main differences between scissor lifts and cherry pickers below to help you choose the right one for your requirements.
| Feature | Scissor Lift | Cherry Picker |
| Reach Type | Vertical only | Vertical + Horizontal |
| Platform Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Maneuverability | Limited | High – perfect for tight spaces |
| Best For | Flat surfaces & indoor tasks | Outdoor tasks, obstacles, trees |
| Load Capacity | Higher | Lower |
| Cost | Generally cheaper | Generally more expensive |
| Terrain Handling | Best on flat ground | Can handle uneven ground (some models) |
Advantages of a Cherry Picker
Outreach capability means that you can reach areas that are harder to reach. This can be either articulated or telescopic, depending on your work needs. Because of their outreach, they are extremely versatile machines. They don’t require much time to adjust and are easily adaptable. This gives them the ability to be used for a range of projects and reach awkward areas easily. The cage used on the platform keeps operators safe while in use. This can provide a sense of safety for the workers while the lift is being operated. They are extremely efficient. You will be able to position your cherry picker platform quickly, without the need to move the entire machine.
Limitations of a Cherry Picker
It’s important to keep an eye on the Safe Working Load (SWL). Cherry pickers are designed to lift workers and small tools only. Other objects (especially those that are heavy) should use machinery made specifically for lifting large objects. Luckily, this can be remedied if necessary. Star Platforms offer special handling equipment that can be attached to cherry pickers to lift larger objects. You should make sure that your workers are properly trained to use a cherry picker before deploying. Want to get your employees up to scratch? Take a look at our IPAF training courses.
Advantages of a Scissor Lift
The simple commands for the scissor lifts mean they are easy to operate making them easy to train employees on. Scissor lifts come in many variations and are customisable. This makes it easy to customise your lift for your business needs. They are easy to maintain, making them great for saving time and money on the job. Many electric lifts come with non-marking tyres – making them great for indoor warehouse use.
Limitations of a Scissor Lift
Level ground is typically needed for most scissor lifts. But when necessary, rough terrain electric machines, such as our Dingli D1823DCB provide the versatility needed to traverse both indoor and rough outdoor terrain. Scissor lifts don’t provide outreach as a cherry picker does. Rather, they provide only vertical access. If your job requires further reach, then a cherry picker may better suit your needs. Electric scissor lifts need to be plugged into a power source in order to be used. While this isn’t a huge limitation, as you can buy diesel-fueled and hybrid scissor lifts.
How High Do You Need to Reach?
The height and placement of the area you need to reach will play a factor in determining which machine to purchase. Star Platform’s scissor lifts can reach up to 22 metres. This should be fine for most jobs that involve working inside, or reaching up walls of high buildings. Installing cladding or windows, and painting can easily be done with one of these machines. However, they may limit the areas that you can access. This can be fixed by using a cherry picker. While a scissor lift can easily reach vertical heights, a cherry picker will provide more outreach capability by reaching in a diagonal direction, allowing the platform to reach up and over obstacles. Star Platform’s cherry pickers can reach up to 28 metres, depending on the model.
Where Are You Using Your Powered Access Machine?
Depending on the terrain and the area needing to be reached, you may want to use either a scissor lift or a cherry picker. Scissor lifts can be used if the machine is able to be parked directly next to the work area, and your workers only need to reach vertically. If the terrain is too unstable, there are large objects in the way, or you need to park further away from the work zone, then the extra articulation, stability, and reach of a cherry picker may be more beneficial.
How to choose the right power source?
Both cherry pickers and scissor lifts are available in diesel, electric and hybrid models. Once you’ve decided which type of powered access platform is best for you, it is important to decide what type of power source is the best.
- Electric: Quieter than diesel models, can be operated indoors, better for the environment due to lower emissions.
- Diesel: Sometimes more powerful than electric models, perfect for outdoor jobs, more noise and emissions.
- Hybrid: Best of both worlds, can be good for jobs that require indoor and outdoor use.
Hire Price Differences
The price of either a cherry picker or a scissor lift will depend on the model you choose, the number of machines you need, the length of the project, and the models that you choose. Hiring a powered access machine offers all the benefits of owning a machine without the commitment of maintenance. At Star Platform, we offer both single machine hires and fleet hires depending on the scale of your operation. If you plan on using your powered access machines frequently or have multiple projects planned, then buying the powered access platforms may work out better than hiring. Thought this will depend on the length of your project. Luckily, here at Star Platform, we offer MEWP purchases for both new and used machines. Regardless of the price, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using the proper equipment for your job. Unsure where to start? Get in touch with our team for expert advice.
Looking to hire or buy a powered access platform?
If you’re ready to hire a powered access platform, we have both diesel and electric cherry pickers, scissor lifts, or low-level platforms to choose from—we have over 4,000 powered access machines in our fleet and access to over 10,000 platforms nationally.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to purchase or hire electric or hybrid powered access platforms, then you’re in the right place. At Star Platforms, we have new and used access platforms for hire and for purchase.
If you’re in need of a generator for your next project, our sister company, Star Power, has a range of temporary power solutions including generator hire and battery energy storage systems.
If you need help choosing the right equipment for your needs and requirements, then our team at Star Platforms can help – get in touch today.
- Access Platforms Explained: A Straight-Talking Guide for UK Sites - 3 October 2025
- How to Choose the Right Scissor Lift for the Job - 19 September 2025
- Can Scissor Lifts Be Used Outside? - 19 September 2025
