Hiring a cherry picker can be a practical and efficient solution when you need to work at height, whether for construction, maintenance, tree surgery, or even photography. Cherry pickers, also known as boom lifts, offer safe and flexible access to high areas that would be difficult to reach with ladders or scaffolding. But what does it cost to hire a cherry picker in the UK, and what factors affect the price?
This guide will break down the typical costs of hiring a cherry picker in the UK, the types of machines available, and what to consider when planning your hire.
1. What Is a Cherry Picker?
A cherry picker is a type of mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) used to lift people and equipment to high places. It typically consists of a platform or bucket attached to a hydraulic arm that can extend vertically and sometimes horizontally. Cherry pickers are used for a variety of tasks, including:
- Building maintenance (roof repairs, gutter cleaning)
- Tree surgery (trimming and pruning high branches)
- Construction (working on roofs, tall structures)
- Film and photography (capturing aerial shots)
- Lighting and signage installation
Different models of cherry pickers are available to suit various tasks and environments, and the cost to hire one depends on the type, size, and duration of the hire.
2. Types of Cherry Pickers and Their Costs
There are several types of cherry pickers available for hire, each suited to different job requirements. The key types are:
a) Articulating Boom Lifts (Knuckle Boom)
Articulating boom lifts have multiple jointed sections that allow the platform to be manoeuvred around obstacles. This makes them ideal for working in tight spaces or around buildings with irregular shapes.
- Typical hire cost: £100 - £300 per day, or £400 - £800 per week.
- Best for: Working around trees, buildings, or machinery where flexibility is required.
b) Telescopic Boom Lifts (Straight Boom)
Telescopic boom lifts have a straight arm that extends outwards, allowing for greater reach but less flexibility than an articulating boom. These are ideal for tasks that require access to very high places with fewer obstacles.
- Typical hire cost: £150 - £400 per day, or £600 - £1,000 per week.
- Best for: High-reach jobs like tall building maintenance or construction.
c) Scissor Lifts
While technically not a cherry picker, scissor lifts are often grouped with cherry pickers as they provide vertical access to height. Scissor lifts extend upwards and are often used for tasks that require a stable, elevated platform but no horizontal reach.
- Typical hire cost: £80 - £150 per day, or £300 - £500 per week.
- Best for: Indoor maintenance work, warehouse tasks, or when working directly under the area of interest.
d) Van-Mounted Cherry Pickers
Van-mounted cherry pickers are ideal for mobile work. The cherry picker is mounted on a van, making it easy to transport from one location to another without the need for a separate delivery vehicle.
- Typical hire cost: £150 - £250 per day, or £600 - £900 per week.
- Best for: Jobs that require frequent travel between locations, such as street lighting maintenance or tree surgery.
e) Truck-Mounted Cherry Pickers
Truck-mounted cherry pickers are similar to van-mounted models but typically offer higher reach and are used for large-scale construction or commercial projects.
- Typical hire cost: £300 - £600 per day, or £1,000 - £1,500 per week.
- Best for: Large construction sites, highway work, or projects that require significant height and reach.
3. Factors That Affect Cherry Picker Hire Costs
Several factors influence the cost of hiring a cherry picker in the UK. Understanding these factors will help you estimate the total cost and choose the right equipment for your project.
a) Hire Duration
The longer you hire the cherry picker, the lower the daily cost tends to be. Most hire companies offer daily, weekly, or even monthly rates. For larger or ongoing projects, hiring on a weekly or monthly basis can be more cost-effective than daily hire.
- Cost for short-term hire: £100 - £600 per day.
- Cost for long-term hire: £400 - £1,500 per week.
b) Height and Reach Requirements
Cherry pickers come in different heights and reach capacities. The higher the cherry picker can extend, the more expensive it is to hire. For example, hiring a cherry picker with a 10m reach will be cheaper than one with a 30m reach.
- Lower reach (up to 10m): £80 - £200 per day.
- Mid-range reach (10-20m): £200 - £400 per day.
- High reach (20m and above): £300 - £600+ per day.
c) Terrain and Accessibility
If you’re working on uneven, rugged terrain or tight spaces, you might need a specialised cherry picker, such as one with 4x4 capabilities or narrow access models. These are typically more expensive to hire than standard models.
- Cost for rough terrain models: £200 - £500 per day.
- Cost for narrow access models: £150 - £400 per day.
d) Delivery and Collection
Cherry pickers often need to be delivered and collected from your site by the hire company. Delivery costs vary based on your location and the size of the cherry picker. Some companies may include delivery in the hire price, while others charge it as an additional fee.
- Typical delivery/collection cost: £50 - £150, depending on distance and machine size.
e) Operator Hire
Some projects require a trained operator to control the cherry picker. If you don’t have someone on-site who is certified to operate the machine, you may need to hire an operator through the rental company.
- Cost of operator hire: £200 - £300 per day, in addition to equipment hire costs.
- Best for: Complex jobs or when safety regulations require certified operators.
f) Insurance
Cherry picker hire companies often require you to have insurance to cover potential damage to the equipment, especially for longer-term hire. You can either purchase insurance through the hire company or arrange your own policy.
- Cost of hire insurance: £50 - £150, depending on the duration and type of equipment.
4. Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the base hire costs, there are some additional expenses you might need to consider when hiring a cherry picker in the UK:
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Fuel costs: If you're hiring a diesel or petrol-powered cherry picker, you'll need to cover fuel expenses. These costs can add up, especially for longer-term projects.
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Training: If you or your team aren't already certified to operate a cherry picker, you may need to arrange for training courses, which could cost between £100 to £300 per person.
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Safety equipment: Ensure you have the right safety gear, such as harnesses, helmets, and high-visibility clothing, to comply with health and safety regulations. This may either be an added cost or something you already have on-site.
5. Choosing the Right Cherry Picker for Your Project
When deciding which cherry picker to hire, it’s important to consider your specific project needs. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
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Height requirements: Ensure the cherry picker can reach the height you need, with some extra allowance for safety.
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Mobility: If your project involves moving between multiple locations, a van-mounted or truck-mounted cherry picker may be more convenient than a static machine.
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Terrain: For outdoor projects on uneven ground, choose a rough-terrain cherry picker designed to handle difficult surfaces.
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Operator availability: If you don’t have a trained operator on-site, factor in the cost of hiring a certified operator from the hire company.
6. DIY vs. Professional Operator
If you're planning to operate the cherry picker yourself, you’ll need to ensure that you or someone on your team is fully trained and certified. In the UK, MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) training is often required to comply with safety regulations. If you're unsure or don't have the necessary skills, it may be safer and more efficient to hire a professional operator.
7. Conclusion: What’s the Total Cost of Hiring a Cherry Picker in the UK?
The cost to hire a cherry picker in the UK can range from £100 to £600 per day, depending on the type of machine, height requirements, and hire duration. Weekly hires typically offer better value, with costs ranging from £400 to £1,500 depending on the model and reach. Additional costs, such as delivery, operator hire, insurance, and fuel, should also be factored into your overall budget.
Whether you’re undertaking a construction project, tree surgery, or high-level maintenance work, hiring the right cherry picker for your needs is essential to completing the job safely and efficiently. With careful planning and budgeting, you can ensure that your project is both cost-effective and successful.
