Questions regarding the different types of boom lifts? Or what is a cherry picker? We can help

Choosing a Boom Lift AKA Cherry Picker

Boom lifts, cherry pickers, access platforms, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), jib lifts…

The variety of names when it comes to aerial work platforms can be confusing.

However, having a clear understanding of the distinction between the many different names is essential for getting the right equipment and using it safely.

To help, we’ve created this guide to choosing a boom lift in the UK.

What are Boom Lifts, Access Platforms & Cherry Pickers?

Typically used in situations that involve working at height, boom lifts, access platforms and cherry pickers offer a wealth of benefits over traditional scaffolding. While these aerial work platforms share many similarities there are several important differences which need to be understood when deciding which platform to hire such equipment.

So, what is a boom lift? Or a cherry picker? Read on to find out.

Boom Lifts - Articulated

Able to extend vertically and with limited horizontal movement, boom lifts are available in only one option – telescopic.
Articulated lifts feature multiple sections which allow greater manoeuvrability and often come with a fly-jib, making them ideal for reaching difficult obstacles.
Boom Lifts and articulated lifts are mounted to a vehicle chassis which allows them to be driven to the required working location. These types of lifts are also controlled from the machinery’s basket, and can also be controlled using a remote, allowing for two people in the basket. providing an accurate and convenient solution for the operator. Telescopic and articulated lifts have similar if not the same height. A boom lift is not suitable if you require up and over capabilities. It also quite often that a Boom lift that has legs that need to extend at least a metre each side of the unit, that can be a problem for a set up in road situations, which can mean that road closures are required. Whereas articulated lifts do not require legs to come out if at all or very little, which hence very rarely requires road closures.

Access Platforms/Cherry Pickers

Access platforms refer to a range of platforms, including aerial lifts, spider lifts and scissor lifts, and is a more generic term used to describe a range of machines rather than a particular type.

Common Terms for Boom Lifts,Cherry Pickers and Access platforms

Common terms for cherry pickers include:

Access platforms

Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)

Elevated work platforms (EWPs)

Telescopic boom lifts

Articulated Access Platforms Spider/ Spider lift Aerial lifts

Aerial work platforms (AWPs)

Boom Lift Types – Key Differences

When it comes to boom lifts, there are two types – articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts.

Articulating boom lifts feature multiple sections which allow greater manoeuvrability, making them ideal for reaching around obstacles. Telescopic boom lifts have a higher reach than articulating boom lifts, though their straight arm design reduces their flexibility, and as such, are a better solution for working at heights.

Choosing the Right Platform for the Job

With the different types of boom lifts and cherry pickers available, selecting the right platform for the job isn’t always straightforward.

However, with a clearer understanding of the differences between platforms reaching a decision is often easier to make.

Due to their greater reach, boom lifts are better suited for jobs at heights, such as building maintenance, construction and aerial installation. Because of their flexibility, cherry pickers make a better option for work that revolves around manoeuvring around obstacles, such as tree surgery or pest control.

Benefits of Articulated Boom Lifts

Articulated boom lifts offer a variety of benefits, including:

Enhanced manoeuvrability
Versatile
Efficient
High level of safety
Cost-effective

Contact Us

To learn more about our range of access platform hire options available in Bromley, Norwood the wider London area or the Home Counties? Get in touch.