When working at height, having the right equipment can make all the difference for efficiency and safety. Two of the most common aerial work platforms are cherry pickers and scissor lifts.
But when should you use one over the other? This guide examines the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best suited for your upcoming project.
What is a Cherry Picker?
A cherry picker, also known as a boom lift or articulating boom lift, is an aerial work platform with an arm (boom/telescopic boom) that can extend out and raise up to position the work platform (bucket) in the desired location. The arm can rotate and articulate (bends) to allow access to hard-to-reach places.
They are mounted on a truck or van chassis, giving them the ability to drive around a work site. The platform is located at the end of the articulating arm.
What are the Pros of Cherry Pickers?
- Mobility – Cherry pickers are highly mobile since they are mounted on a vehicle. This allows you to easily move around a work site and position the platform exactly where you need it. You don’t have to reposition the entire unit like a scissor lift.
- Reach – The articulating arm can extend out horizontally and up vertically, allowing you to reach work areas that are far away or high up. Large cherry pickers can reach heights of over 100 feet.
- Positioning flexibility – The arm movement gives you great positioning flexibility. You can snake the arm around obstacles and position the bucket right where you need it.
- Work overhead – The upward reach is ideal for overhead tasks like exterior construction, painting, lighting installation, and HVAC work. You can position the bucket directly overhead.
- Multiple access points – Having the bucket on an arm allows access from multiple sides of a structure. You can pick cherries from any part of the tree!
- Rough terrain – Many cherry pickers have 4-wheel drive capabilities allowing them to manoeuvre over rough or uneven ground. Scissor lifts can sometimes struggle on terrain.
What are the Cons of Cherry Pickers?
- Less stable – The arm swaying and bobbing can sometimes feel less stable than the fixed platform of a scissor lift.
- Larger size – Cherry pickers tend to be larger and heavier than scissor lifts, which can limit manoeuvrability in tight spaces.
- Higher cost – The articulating arm mechanism makes cherry pickers more complex and expensive to purchase or rent than scissor lifts.
- Arm limits platform size – The reach of the arm limits how large the platform can be. Scissor lifts can sometimes accommodate more tools and materials.
What is a Scissor Lift?
A scissor lift is an aerial work platform that uses a crisscrossing scissor mechanism (like folded scissors) to straight raise and lower the work platform. The platform remains level throughout the rise and descent.
Scissor lifts provide access for people and equipment up to heights of around 30 feet or more (larger models can reach up to 50 feet). They are used in many industries for maintenance, construction, electrical work, events, and more.
The lift mechanism features folding support arms in an X-shape that lengthen as hydraulic cylinders push the scissor sections upward. Once elevated, the platform can usually extend out for additional horizontal reach. Guardrails surround the platform for safety.
What are the Pros of Scissor Lifts?
- More stable platform – The fixed platform feels very stable and secure, with minimal swaying or shifting. This can provide a safer option when delicate tasks require a steady platform.
- Compact size – Scissor lifts are lighter and more compact than cherry pickers. This improves manoeuvrability in tight indoor spaces and allows the lift to fit where a larger machine can’t.
- Lower cost – Simple scissors mechanisms make scissor lifts generally cheaper to purchase or rent than cherry pickers. This makes them more economical for small contractors.
- Quick setup – With no complex articulating arm to position, scissor lifts are quicker to set up and adjust height. Just drive into position and elevate.
- Larger platform – The platform size is not limited by an arm, so scissor lifts can usually accommodate more workers, tools, and materials.
- Indoor/outdoor use – Scissor lifts work well both indoors and outdoors. The fixed platform and compact size manoeuvre easily in either environment.
What are the Cons of Scissor Lifts?
- Limited reach – While many scissor lifts have platform extensions, their reach is not as extensive as a cherry picker. You can’t extend out as far horizontally or vertically.
- Less positioning flexibility – The fixed platform means you have to physically move the entire unit to access different work areas. You can’t snake an arm around obstacles.
- Difficulty reaching undersides or overheads – The straight vertical lift makes it harder to position the platform under overhangs or extremely high overhead.
- Struggles on rough terrain – Solid wheels and low clearance limit a scissor lift’s ability to handle uneven ground or rough terrain.
- Tip-over risk – Sudden stops or bumps can cause rollback, and uneven surfaces increase tip-over risk. Cherry picker arms absorb more shock.
- Can’t drive elevated – You have to lower the platform to reposition a scissor lift. Cherry pickers can drive with the bucket elevated.
Choosing Between a Cherry Picker and Scissor Lift
So which type of aerial work platform is right for your upcoming project? Here are some things to consider when deciding between a cherry picker and scissor lift:
How much reach do you need?
If you need to extend far horizontally or vertically, a cherry picker’s arm offers greater reach. Scissor lifts work better for accessing heights up to 50 feet.
What kind of positioning flexibility do you need?
Cherry pickers can snake around objects and access multiple sides of structures. Scissor lifts are better for straight up-and-down access.
What will you be lifting or carrying?
Scissor lifts allow you to haul more equipment and materials. Cherry picker buckets are smaller with arm load limits.
Where will you be working?
Cherry pickers handle rough terrain better. But scissor lifts are better for smooth indoor floors and tight spaces.
Do you need to drive elevated?
Cherry pickers can drive with the bucket raised. Scissor lifts cannot.
How much budget do you have?
Scissor lifts tend to be the more affordable rental option.
Who will be operating the equipment?
Scissor lifts are simpler to operate without specialised training.
Common Uses for Each Type of Aerial Lift
Here are some typical uses and projects suited for each type of aerial work platform:
Ideal Cherry Picker Jobs:
- Exterior construction – Siding, brickwork, roofing
- Window cleaning – Homes or high-rise buildings
- Painting – Homes, commercial buildings
- Tree trimming and fruit harvesting
- HVAC installation – Heat pumps, ventilation
- Outdoor lighting – Lamp posts, stadium lights
- Utility and telecom work – Electrical, phone lines
Ideal Scissor Lift Jobs:
- Interior construction – Drywall, ceiling work
- Plumbing and ductwork – Pipes, vents, conduits
- Electrical – Lighting, circuitry, wiring
- Shelving and storage – Warehouses, libraries
- Painting/staining – Interior walls and trim
- Events – Stages, AV, decorating
- Retail – Displays, signs, inventory
The Right Lift for the Job
Cherry pickers and scissor lifts each have advantages that make them ideal for certain jobs. Assess your specific work requirements, budget, and operator skill level. And always make safety your top priority when operating aerial equipment. Carefully matching the lift to the task will ensure your project goes smoothly while working safely off the ground.
We offer scissor lifts, spider lifts, cherry pickers and other access platform equipments on rental and hire at an affordable price. Call us today to get started!
