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At first glance, boom lifts and cherry pickers might seem identical. This is completely understandable as they share a fair few physical similarities. Yes, both are EWPs essential for high-access construction and maintenance tasks. And both feature an extendable arm with a bucket attached.
However, key distinctions exist in reach capabilities, driving mechanisms, and cost. If you’re confused, stay with us! By the end of this article, you’ll be able to spot the difference between a cherry picker and a boom lift like a pro.
Look down, and you’ll see the main physical difference between boom lifts and cherry pickers is that boom lifts have wheels. These wheels, among other things, provide superior mobility, manoeuvrability, and control. As a result, operators can work safely and with precision, as well as lower their risk of injury or property damage on site.
While cherry pickers offer substantial vertical reach, boom lifts can extend to even greater heights. The mighty telescopic boom, for instance, can soar up to an impressive 137m! Various boom lift models exist to suit different job requirements and work environments, with options available for nearly any type of elevated work.
Because boom lifts are fitted with tyres, they are generally self-propelled and can be driven around a job site between locations.
Boom lifts also come equipped with control panels inside the basket, so operators can safely manoeuvre and position themselves precisely where needed. This advanced driving mechanism allows workers to elevate, adjust, and reach hard-to-access areas.
Boom lifts typically come at a higher price point than cherry pickers due to their advanced features. The final cost ultimately depends on your business needs, budget, and the specific high-level tasks you need to perform.
Boom lifts are commonly used for the following applications:
Cherry pickers, also referred to as spider booms, are the machine of choice for a lot of projects because of their stability and affordability. Cherry pickers are either trailer or truck bed mounted with four outrigger legs for stability, and they must be towed or driven between work locations.
Like a boom lift, the bucket is connected to hydraulically controlled extendable arms that are attached to a grounded base. The arms can be moved vertically and horizontally to raise and lower workers to precise heights to complete the required work.
While boom lifts can reach sky-high, the height capability of a cherry picker is nothing to sneeze at! Take All Star’s spider boom – this nimble machine can stretch up to a generous 80 metres tall.
Cherry pickers may require a bit more effort to move around due to their lack of wheels. At the same time, their spider-like legs provide unparalleled stability and safety, making it well worth the extra setup time.
When compared to boom lifts, cherry pickers provide a budget-friendly option for elevated work, thanks to their simpler design and functionality. In contrast, boom lifts offer more advanced features, including in-basket control panels, improved bucket control, and ground-level mobility, which contribute to their higher cost.
Cherry pickers are commonly used for the following applications:
Always assess your project’s height, reach, and site requirements to choose the right equipment. For higher reach, consider boom lifts; for simpler vertical access, cherry pickers may do the job. All Star Access Hire offers a wide range of both, with expert guidance to help you select the ideal solution for your job.