Does the job you are working on require workers to climb or carry materials? Cherry pickers lifts are pieces of machinery with a basket to help lift workers and materials to different heights depending on the job.
Cherry picker lifts come in various sizes, so options depend on your use. Following safety guidelines and proper maintenance procedures is essential to keep workers safe and secure.
This cherry picker lift guide will highlight what cherry pickers are, how they work, and some of the different brands available so you can make an informed decision about what will work best for you and your employees.
What Is a Cherry Picker Lift?
A type of aerial work platform, cherry picker lifts or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are machines that help workers reach areas that may be hard to go without help. At the end of a hydraulic telescoping arm, there is either a platform or a bucket.
Initially used to help workers pick fruit from trees, cherry picker lifts were modified for various uses in different industries.
There are many types of cherry picker lifts, the most common being boomlifts. Some of the different kinds of boomlifts include:
- Telescopic or straight booms are for reaching tall heights.
- Articulating or jointed booms help workers reach areas where a straight boom can not reach.
- Compact crawlers or spider lifts can go up and over to reach difficult areas.
- Towable booms are mobile booms with a hitch for easy transport.
- Mast lifts and stock pickers move up and down on an extendable boom.
Each type of cherry picker lift has a purpose, so it is important to decide your purpose so you save time and money.
Various applications and industries use cherry pickers. For example, power companies will use cherry picker lifts to repair powerlines and poles. Other applications can include building maintenance, construction work, and fire services.
How Do Cherry Picker Lifts Work?
A cherry picker lift uses a hydraulic lifting system that extends an arm so workers can reach their destination.
Basic Mechanism
The basic mechanisms of cherry picker lifts include the hydraulic and control systems.
The hydraulic system in cherry pickers works like any other piece of hydraulic machinery. The hydraulic fluid is pressurized and pushed against the piston, which energizes it. This energy allows the lifting mechanism to work.
Until the pressure of the hydraulic fluid is released, the fluid cannot move backward in the system. Hydraulic systems are widely used in equipment such as cherry pickers and boomlifts because they are safer for operators.
There are various types of cherry pickers, so the controls may vary by type. There are manual control or electric control options. Manual controls are more precise because the operator manually moves the parts.
Operators can manually raise and lower the boom to varying heights and rotate it by turning specific levers within the cherry picker's cab.
Electric controls work like their manual counterparts; however, staying close to a power source is important when using any electric machinery. Electric controls allow for maneuverability.
Operational Steps
All operators must obtain proper licensing before attempting to operate cherry picker lifts. If appropriate licensing is in place, operators should start by reading the owner’s manual to ensure all safety precautions are followed.
The next step is for the operator to board the machine and familiarize themselves with the controls. From there, the operator would start the machine and get a feel for the controls. They would want to drive the machine and operate the lift.
When working with a cherry picker lift, the operator must ensure a safe environment for the workers and machine. For example, the ground must be stable. If there is an incline, it must be less than 5 degrees.
The operator must also keep all personal protective equipment in place to prevent injury. Personal protective equipment includes items like:
- Safety harness.
- Helmet.
- Any other fall protection equipment.
The operator should also check the outside environment for hazards, like tools and debris, and move the lift slowly to avoid unnecessary injury.
Popular Brands and Models
There are many different brands and models of cherry picker lifts available. A few of the most popular brands include JLG Industries, Genie, Haulotte, and Snorkel.
JLG Industries
JLG Industries created the first aerial work platform in 1970, changing the industry and how workers accomplished tasks. In recent years, they have also produced the world's first self-leveling boomlift, the 670SJ.
Genie
Founded in 1966, Genie Industries was a very customer-centric company. Their main goal was always to provide excellent customer service. The first product they created was the Genie Hoist, which sold 1500 by the end of 1968.
In 2017, Genie Industries created a new website called Genie Aerial Pros. This site allowed customers, operators, and stakeholders to connect with experts in the field.
Haulotte
The company was founded in 1881. Originally named the Pinguely-Haulotte Group for 124 years, it was changed in 2005 to the Haulotte Group. It is one of the largest manufacturers of aerial lifts in the world.
The Haulotte Group released its first aerial lift in 1986 and joined the space race in 2003.
Snorkel
Snorkel was founded in 1959 as a fire equipment company. It entered the construction industry in 1977 and released its first boom lift. Snorkel celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2019 and is still going strong.
Find the Best Cherry Picker Lift For Your Needs Today
Cherry picker lifts and boomlifts are great options for hard-to-reach areas. Make sure to do the proper research to find the best cherry picker for your needs.
If you have questions or want to find a cherry picker for sale, contact IFT for more information.
Sources:
Harnessing the Power of Cherry Pickers: Training and Safety | by Dayimrentals | Medium
What Are Cherry Pickers? (warehousemachines.com)
5 Excellent Uses Of Cherry Pickers For Different Purposes – World Executives Digest
How To Do Cherry Pickers | Get Quick Answer Here (arnabee.com)
How does a hydraulic system work? - Power Team Sa
(3) How To Use A Cherry Picker: A Comprehensive Guide | LinkedIn
Learn About the History of JLG
Our Story | Genie (genielift.com)
The Haulotte Team | Haulotte North America (haulotte-usa.com)
History | Haulotte Haulotte Group
Find the Best Boom Lift for Your Business (industrialforklifttruck.org)