Scaffolding vs cherry pickers: what’s the difference?

In this blog we look at the differences between cherry pickers and scaffolding to help you decide what’s the best solution when you need to work at height safely and efficiently.

What is a cherry picker?

Cherry pickers (also known as boom lifts) are extremely versatile, safe and reliable pieces of machinery that are used for working at height. These mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) were originally used for picking fruit in orchards (hence the name). However, over the years they have become a staple in many different industries including construction sites, warehouses and for many others.

What can a cherry picker be used for?

Our powered access cherry pickers are perfect for a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks and are popular in a variety of industries including the construction, sports and events, seasonal sectors and arts and special projects industries. They are a great alternative to scaffolding as they give you access to height in a quick and safe manner. They can be easily moved and allow you to get started straight away.

What are the benefits of using a cherry picker?

There are a number of different benefits of using a cherry picker, including:

  • They are much safer and sturdier than using a ladder, and more mobile and agile than scaffolding.
  • Ready to use straight away.
  • Allow for equipment to be easily lifted to height.
  • Can be easily moved from site to site, perfect for construction sites that require people to be working at height in different locations.
  • Greater flexibility.
  • Can easily meet temporary demands.

What is scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that is built in order to allow workers to work easily at height.

What are the different types of scaffolding?

There are three main different types of scaffolding: suspended, aerial and supported. Different types of scaffolding are available to fulfil the needs of different situations, so it is important to choose the right one.

  • Support scaffolding is the most common type of scaffolding, this is constructed vertically from the ground up on the side of a building or structure usually using metal tubes and couples.
  • Suspended scaffolding are platforms that are suspended by ropes from an overhead structure. This is used when scaffolding can not be constructed from the ground.
  • Aerial scaffolding is temporary platforms that are constructed above ground level to allow work from height.

What are the benefits of using scaffolding?

There are a number of different benefits of using scaffolding, including:

  • Cost effective.
  • Allows for workers to gain access to height safely.
  • Suspended scaffolding allows workers to work at height when it is not possible to access it from the ground.
  • Easy to assemble and disassemble.
  • Great for long term projects as it can last a long time.
  • Sturdy.

 

Scaffolding vs cherry pickers: what is the best option?

Picking the right equipment is crucial to getting your project done safely, on time and in a cost effective way. Considering the requirements of your job will help you decide what equipment is best. Scaffolding may be best for more long-term, permanent projects, however, cherry pickers are becoming a more popular choice due to their versatility and flexibility, especially when using equipment at height.

At Star Platforms, we understand the importance of hiring or buying equipment from a reliable supplier – we can help provide you with access platforms quickly and for a great cost.

How to hire or buy a powered access platform from Star Platforms?

If you’re looking to hire, we have electric or hybrid 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 need help choosing the right solution for your needs and requirements, then our team at Star Platforms can help – get in touch today.

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