If you’re planning aerial work in the North West, understanding cherry picker hire costs is essential for accurate project budgeting. The region’s access platform market has experienced significant changes. Several factors have reshaped the pricing landscape this year. Brexit continues to affect equipment import costs, with many platforms manufactured in Europe now costing 15-20% more than pre-2020 levels. Inflation has pushed operational costs higher, particularly fuel and insurance.
Operated hire has become increasingly popular as businesses recognise the value of professional operators. Safety regulations have tightened, and the complexity of modern access equipment means that hiring a machine with a qualified operator often proves more cost-effective than self-operation.
This guide breaks down actual costs you’ll encounter when hiring cherry pickers across the North West, helping you budget accurately and avoid unexpected charges.
What Do You Get When Hiring with an Operator?
When you hire cherry picker with an operator, you get the expertise of someone trained to work safely and get the job done efficiently. Most hires include:
- The cherry picker itself, suited to the height and access you need.
- A qualified operator, trained under recognised safety schemes.
- Insurance coverage and compliance with UK health and safety regulations.
- Set-up and site preparation, ensuring the machine is positioned correctly.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Unfortunately, some costs frequently catch customers off guard. Being aware of these potential additions helps you budget accurately and ask the right questions when obtaining quotes:
VAT (additional 20%): The most common oversight in budget planning. All prices quoted by UK companies exclude VAT unless specifically stated otherwise. A £500 daily rate actually costs £600 once VAT is added.
Delivery beyond 20 miles (£1.50-£2.50/mile): Delivery to remote parts of the Lake District from a Manchester depot might add £150-£200 each way. Some companies charge from their depot to your site and back, effectively doubling the mileage cost.
Weekend supplements (25-50% extra): Saturday work typically attracts a 25% premium, while Sunday and bank holiday rates can be 50% higher. A £500 weekday rate becomes £625 on Saturday or £750 on Sunday.
Damage waiver (£25-£50/day): This optional insurance reduces your excess liability from potentially thousands to a few hundred pounds. While optional, declining it leaves you fully liable for any equipment damage.
Site surveys (£150-£300 if required): Complex sites or those with access restrictions may require preliminary surveys. While some companies waive this fee if you proceed with the hire, others charge regardless.
Now that you’re aware of what’s included (and what isn’t), let’s break down the base rates.
Cost Breakdown: North West Cherry Picker Hire
Pricing by Equipment Type
| Platform Type | Working Height | Daily Rate (with operator) | Weekly Rate | Minimum Hire |
| Small Scissor | 6-10m | £350-£450 | £1,500-£2,000 | Half day |
| Electric Boom | 12-16m | £450-£550 | £2,000-£2,500 | 1 day |
| Diesel Articulated | 16-20m | £500-£650 | £2,250-£3,000 | 1 day |
| Large Boom | 20-30m | £600-£850 | £2,750-£4,000 | 1 day |
| Truck Mount | 25m+ | £750-£1,200 | POA | 1 day |
These rates reflect averages from established hire companies operating across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, and Cumbria. Prices at the lower end typically come from companies with older fleets or those offering limited support, while premium rates usually indicate newer equipment and comprehensive service packages.
What Drives the Price Up or Down?
- Machine type and reach. A compact 20-metre cherry picker will cost less than a 40-metre truck-mounted lift.
- Length of hire. One-day bookings are straightforward, but multiple days increase value per day.
- Location and access. Jobs in tight city streets may require traffic management, boosting costs, while rural work could involve longer travel times.
- Job requirements. Night work, tree trimming in confined spaces, or work requiring extra safety barriers all affect the rate.
- Seasonal demand and timing. Summer months can be busier, so planning ahead helps secure availability.
Why Hiring with an Operator is the Smarter Choice
Attempting to operate a cherry picker without proper training is unsafe and often against regulations. By hiring with an operator, you:
- Ensure complete compliance with UK health and safety rules.
- Benefit from efficiency, as trained operators can position and move the machine smoothly.
- Save money by avoiding the cost of training and certification for your own staff.
How to Get the Best Value (Insider Tips)
Book 2+ weeks ahead to access the best rates and widest equipment selection. Last-minute bookings limit your negotiating power and often mean accepting whatever equipment remains available.
Hire Monday to Thursday to avoid weekend premiums entirely. Many projects can be scheduled for midweek completion with proper planning. If weekend work seems unavoidable, consider whether adjusting other project elements might allow weekday equipment use.
Book longer periods to access dramatic daily rate reductions. Days 4 and 5 of a booking often cost 50% of the standard daily rate. A five-day hire might cost only marginally more than three days, providing schedule flexibility and potential project acceleration.
Bundle equipment if your project needs multiple machines or tools. Hiring two cherry pickers or adding powered tools to your order opens negotiation opportunities.
Off-season hiring between November and February sees significantly reduced demand. Winter rates can be 20% lower than peak season, though weather delays become more likely. Projects with flexible timelines benefit most from seasonal pricing variations.
Why Choose Garna
We believe clear, honest pricing builds trust and saves everyone time.
All prices quoted include operator: Every quote clearly shows the complete cost including a qualified operator for the standard 8-hour day.
No hidden environmental or admin fees: Some companies add mysterious “environmental levies” or “administration charges” at invoice stage. We include all operational costs in our quoted rates.
Clear cancellation policy: Cancel with 24 hours notice without penalty. We understand projects change and weather interferes. Our flexible approach means you never pay for equipment you couldn’t use.
Fixed prices for contract duration: Accepted quotes remain valid throughout your project. Even if our rates increase during long-term hires, your agreed price stays fixed.
Our average machine age is three years, compared to the industry average of 5-7 years. Newer equipment means better fuel efficiency, fewer breakdowns, and enhanced safety features. Modern machines complete work faster, potentially reducing your hire duration.
Local depots in Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston ensure rapid response across the region. Local presence means we understand area-specific challenges like Manchester’s Clean Air Zone or Liverpool’s dock security requirements. Our teams know local regulations and can advise on compliance issues.
Free site surveys for hire periods exceeding three days ensure we recommend appropriate equipment. Our experienced surveyors assess access routes, ground conditions, and working height requirements. This preliminary work prevents costly equipment changes mid-project.
FAQs About Cherry Picker Hire Costs
Why are some companies £100+ cheaper per day?
Significant price variations usually indicate different service levels. Cheaper quotes often exclude essential elements like insurance, delivery, or experienced operators. Some companies quote for older equipment or add charges later. Always compare complete costs including VAT, insurance, delivery, and any additional fees. Request written quotes detailing all inclusions to ensure accurate comparison.
Can I hire for 2-3 hours?
Yes, half-day rates are available for smaller platforms, typically costing 65% of the full day rate. This suits quick jobs like sign installation or minor repairs. Larger equipment generally requires minimum one-day hire due to transport costs. Some companies offer hourly rates for regular customers or very local jobs.
What if weather stops work?
We offer two solutions for weather delays. Weather delay insurance at £25 per day means you pay nothing if conditions prevent work. Alternatively, reschedule with 24 hours notice at no charge. We monitor weather forecasts and proactively contact customers about potential issues, helping you make informed decisions.
Do prices include everything?
Our standard quotes include the cherry picker, qualified operator, insurance, and local delivery within 20 miles. VAT is additional at 20%, as per UK tax requirements. Any job-specific requirements like traffic management or specialist attachments are quoted separately. We provide fully itemised quotes showing exactly what you’re paying for.
Can I get a fixed price for a long project?
Absolutely. Projects exceeding four weeks qualify for fixed monthly rates, protecting you from price increases. We assess your requirements and provide guaranteed pricing for the project duration. This approach helps with budget certainty and often includes additional benefits like free equipment swaps if requirements change.
