Cherry pickers VS scaffolding

Weighing the benefits of elevated work

Tuesday 11 July 2023

While both cherry pickers and scaffolding serve the purpose of providing access to elevated areas, they each have different advantages and use cases. Choosing the right form of access equipment is essential as each method is dependent on the specific requirements for the task at hand.

Here is a breakdown of the key benefits and considerations of both cherry pickers and scaffolding.

Versatility
Powered access platforms are extremely versatile, although specific machine types are designed to be more effective in different environments so choosing the right one is essential for your project. Whether you need a machine ideal for narrow-aisle work, indoor applications or outdoor work, cherry pickers are designed to operate on a range of terrains from slopes to uneven ground surfaces.

Although scaffolding can be tailored to fit specific requirements for a project - for example, it can be adjusted in height, length and configuration making it suitable for complex structures or areas with irregular shapes - it requires a flat and stable base for installation, limiting its use on challenging ground conditions.

Manoeuvrability
If your project requires frequent positioning, relocation or you need to access multiple areas within a limited time frame, cherry pickers can be moved around sites and from site to site with ease. Control your movements from the cage to reach key target areas and use smaller site-to-site vehicles to reduce transport costs.

Scaffolding, on the other hand, needs to be dismantled and reassembled when moving to new locations. Although they have more restrictive designs, they are ideal for long-term projects working on the same target area. Its stable structure is a reliable form of access that offers longevity without the need to reposition. This allows construction teams to access a large interface at any one time, allowing many workers to access the building. Whereas cherry pickers only allow users to access a single location at a time before needing to be repositioned.

Time-efficiency

With the ability to be set up quickly, often in a number of minutes, cherry pickers can increase productivity on-site by allowing operators to start working immediately. Their enhanced manoeuvrability can also save time when moving from one location to the next, enabling a wider range of work to be completed in multiple locations.

Scaffolding tends to be more time-consuming as it takes longer to set up, move and secure properly which can cause delays in project timelines. This is why it is important to consider the duration of the project in this context, as time can cost money.

Height and reach
Our range of cherry pickers can reach greater heights from compact and manoeuvrable chassis'. They have the ability to extend to considerable heights, offering a wide range of vertical and horizontal movements for adjustable heights and extended reach making them extremely customisable to each project.

Scaffolding can also be customised to specific locations, allowing workers to access the key target areas needed for the job. However, these are only set up in a singular location with fixed dimensions.

Safety
Cherry pickers are designed with safety in mind, equipped with guardrails, harnesses and stability mechanisms that deliver a secure working platform to help keep accidents and injuries to a minimum. However, that doesn’t mean that accidents can’t happen so it’s important for users to familiarise themselves with the specific safety systems of each model. Our machines have built-in safety features such as SiOPS - a system that instantly stops all machine movement if an operator is pushed against the cage controls.

Unlike most powered access platforms, scaffolding requires the manual handling of equipment at greater heights, meaning safety precautions must be taken. Whether you're using a cherry picker or scaffolding, it's important that you are trained to use the equipment and that the project is overseen by a qualified team.

Cost-effectiveness
Both modes of access can be cost-effective depending on the purpose of the job. Scaffolding tends to have a lower initial investment cost, however it can accumulate expenses over time from maintenance, labour and transportation. This is why it is a great option for long-term projects or when extensive work needs to be carried out at height.

Although renting or purchasing a cherry picker can be more expensive, depending on the scope and duration of the project they can be more cost-effective. For short-term projects, they can be rented for specific periods of time. They require less labour for set up, are easily transportable and can improve efficiency on site, improving profitability.

You should always consider the duration of the project, work environment and context of the job. This way, you can choose the most effective form of access to ensure efficiency, safety, cost-effectiveness and productivity.

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Cherry pickers VS scaffolding

While both cherry pickers and scaffolding serve the purpose of providing access to elevated areas, they each have different advantages and use cases. Choosing the right form of access equipment is essential as each method is dependent on the specific requirements for the task at hand.

You should always consider the duration of the project, work environment and context of the job. This way, you can choose the most effective form of access to ensure efficiency, safety, cost-effectiveness and productivity.

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