Cherry Pickers vs. Scaffolding: Which is Better for Your Next Job?

When tackling a construction project, picking the right access equipment can make all the difference when it comes to making your life easier. Whether you’re scaling the heights of a multi-story building or handling a more modest residential property repair, the choice between a cherry picker and scaffolding can make have a significant impact on your project’s costs, safety and efficiency. Both have their merits, but which is best for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore both to find out what might fit your job better,

Which one costs more?

Cherry picker

Hiring a cherry picker (or boom lift) might seem more expensive upfront compared to scaffolding. However, cherry pickers can often save you money in the long run. They’re ideal for jobs that require working at various heights or where you may need to reach specific areas without setting up extensive equipment, such as working outdoors or when the ground is uneven.

Scaffolding

On the other hand, scaffolding involves a more substantial initial investment, both in terms of time and money. Erecting scaffolding takes a bit longer and often requires a larger crew to set up and dismantle. While it can be cheaper for long-term projects where work will be required in a relatively small or concentrated area such as on a single building, the labour costs and setup time can add up.

Which choice is safer?

Cherry picker

When it comes to safety, cherry pickers have some clear advantages. Modern cherry pickers are equipped with safety features such as harness points, emergency stop buttons and stabilisers. The enclosed platform reduces the risk of falls, which is a significant concern in construction. Plus, with the numerous IPAF training courses on offer to ensure that operators are fully trained and aware of best practices for safe use, there’s very minimal risk involved in manning one of these access hire machines.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding also provides a stable working environment, but it requires strict adherence to safety guidelines. Proper assembly is crucial, otherwise the risk of collapses or falls can increase dramatically. Scaffolding should always be inspected regularly and maintained to ensure it remains safe for use. The risk here is more about the setup and maintenance than the structure itself.

Which access solution will make my job more efficient?

Cherry picker

Cherry pickers are known for their efficiency, especially for tasks that require movement or reaching different heights. They can quickly navigate around obstacles and provide precise access where needed. This mobility means that fewer interruptions occur during work, and tasks can often be completed faster.

Scaffolding

While scaffolding is effective for larger and static projects, it’s less flexible. Once set up, it’s designed to stay in place, which can limit access and slow down progress if you need to move around frequently. However, for extensive projects where access is required at various levels over a long period, scaffolding provides a stable and continuous working platform.

Which one is more versatile?

Cherry picker

Cherry pickers are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for jobs that involve reaching over obstacles, working on irregular surfaces, or when you need to move quickly from one location to another. Their ability to extend and manoeuvre into tight spaces makes them a go-to choice for many specialised tasks.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding is less versatile but excels in providing a stable, flat working surface. It’s ideal for projects where workers need to stand in one place for extended periods, such as painting or masonry. Scaffolding setups can be adjusted to different heights and configurations, but they lack the flexibility of cherry pickers in terms of movement.

Which access solution fits your construction job best?

So, which is better for your job: a cherry picker or scaffolding? It really depends on your specific needs. If you need quick, efficient access to various heights with the added benefit of mobility and modern safety features, a cherry picker might be your best bet. On the other hand, if your project requires a stable platform for an extended period and you’re working on a larger area, scaffolding could be the way to go.

No matter what you choose, make sure you have the right training and safety measures in place. Premier Platforms not only provides top-notch cherry pickers and other access equipment but also offers IPAF training courses to ensure that your team is equipped to handle the job safely and efficiently. For more information on renting cherry pickers, scissor lifts or to book your IPAF operator or managers training, check out Premier Platforms’ offerings.

For more information on Cherry Pickers vs. Scaffolding: Which is Better for Your Next Job? talk to Premier Platforms Ltd