How to Use a Cherry Picker

Cherry pickers are common work platforms in construction projects for reaching higher spots. For safety, you need proper training with careful setup and controlled operation. In this blog, Speedy Hire will walk you through the basic knowledge you need to know about the machine and the steps on how to use a cherry picker with confidence.  

What is a Cherry Picker? 

A cherry picker is a type of MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform), a construction machine to help workers reach inaccessible areas. It is essential equipment for working at height in a safe and stable environment.  

A cherry picker (also called a boom lift) has a flexible arm which can be extended to put the platform (bucket) at the end to the desired position. When created, cherry pickers were used for fruit harvesting. However, they are now innovated and developed to be used in a wide range of industrial activities and projects.  

The height of a cherry picker can vary depending on the model, ranging from 10 meters to 28 meters and even more. Contact our experts to choose the most suitable height for your project. 

What is a Cherry Picker Used For? 

Cherry pickers are extremely useful in commercial and construction sites, helping workers reach high areas more safely and flexibly. Unlike a scissor lift, which can only extend vertically, cherry pickers let you adjust the platform in different directions, horizontally and vertically.  

They are ideal when the object/building can’t be easily accessed directly from below. That’s why cherry pickers are popular in agriculture projects like trimming trees, fruit harvesting, filming, event setup, painting, cleaning, building, and maintenance. Compared to scaffolding or a ladder, cherry pickers offer a safer working platform. 

Types of Cherry Pickers 

Cherry pickers are attached to different platforms for movement, which makes them distinct from each other.  

• Telescopic boom lifts have a straight arm that extends directly outwards and upwards. 
• Articulated boom lifts have jointed sections that bend, allowing the platform to move around obstacles. 
• Trailer-mounted cherry pickers are towed by a vehicle and set up using outriggers for operation. 
• Self-propelled cherry pickers can drive themselves around a site without being towed. 

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Safety When Using Cherry Pickers 

Like all MEWPs, cherry pickers can cause dangers to workers in operation and during usage. All the possible hazards should be controlled and monitored by employers and users.  

Before using a cherry picker, check the safety operating procedure, the manufacturer’s operation manual, and other important documents that come with the machine. 

Legal Requirements

Planning is essential while using cherry pickers. Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) guidelines by the HSE outline possible hazards and legal requirements while using cherry pickers.  

Identifying all working hazards associated with the usage of cherry pickers: entrapment, overturning, falling, and collision. These hazards should be identified and informed to workers, along with a safety work plan to follow.  

• Overhead working space should be inspected and kept safe from obstacles to avoid trapping or accidental contact.  
• Cherry pickers must be placed on even and stable ground, which is strong enough to endure the pressure of the plant, workers, movement, and any other equipment.  
• Outriggers or stabilisers must be used when installing cherry pickers. They should be extended and chocked before the platform is raised and work starts. 
• Guardrails and toe boards are compulsory in any type of MEWPs, including cherry pickers. This will not only promote the safety of workers on the platform but also prevent falling of objects and materials to the environment below. Wearing a harness is also a must to prevent hazards. 
• Never operate the cherry pickers in extreme weather conditions such as high winds, storms, or snowfall. Check the maximum safe wind speed for operation. Inspect before use if the unit sits through severe weather.  
• All materials used by workers on a cherry picker’s platform should be clearly inspected in terms of weight, dimensions, load distributions, transport, and handling. The use and transport of materials need to be carried out with caution to protect the safety of workers involved.  
• Operators and workers must be equipped with PPE while using the machine. Select suitable equipment from our range of harnesses, helmets, vests, protective glasses, and clothing. 

Training and Certification 

Using a cherry picker is not for everyone. You need to attend a recognised training course and obtain a valid certificate, card, or license for the specific model of MEWPs you’ll be using. We recommend taking an IPAF Dual Category training course, made specifically for the use of cherry pickers.  

The training course will walk you through all the Health and Safety requirements and guidelines, followed by mandatory checks and controls of cherry pickers, before going into operating lessons. Get an official certificate by IPAF with a 5-year validation period in just 3 days of learning! 

How to Use a Cherry Picker Correctly and Safely 

Every construction equipment and machines, including cherry pickers, need to be inspected thoroughly before use. They should be in good condition without damage or malfunction. For cherry pickers, users can check features such as guardrails, gates, controls, and an emergency stop button. Check the fuel level if you use a diesel cherry picker.  

Step 1: Set Up a Cherry Picker 

There are a few things to keep in mind while deciding the position of your cherry picker. First and foremost, you need to conduct a thorough inspection of the area where the cherry picker will sit. The position of the machine must not create hidden dangers. 

• The ground is firm, level, and clear for the operation. There should be no gravel, mud, holes, or slopes to maintain a stable foundation for the work platform.  
• Keep the machine away from dangerous objects, such as Radio Frequency (RF) aerials, power lines, tree branches, and roof edges. 
• Maintain a safe working distance from traffic lanes and busy areas. Be aware of any moving vehicles and pedestrians.  
• A sign should be placed to mark the working area to limit access and prevent disruptions. 
• Plan the position of the machine so that the boom can reach the work area easily without overreaching or obstacles.  

Once the machine is positioned in the right place, apply the parking brake.   

Step 2: Familiarise Yourself with the Controls 

Now, take time to get yourself familiar with the controls. Most cherry pickers have both ground controls and platform controls. One is located on the size of the machine, and one is in the basket. To start the machine, insert the key and use the choke before releasing the emergency stop. You can now switch between ground controls or platform controls by turning the key. 

If your cherry pickers come with outriggers, or so-called "stabilisers", you need to lower them fully using the ground control. This will ensure a firm, level, and strong foundation for the machine, protecting your safety when working at high levels. 

Once the machine is in place, switch the key to basket control. You will come across: speedy control, lift, lower, steering controls, and boom controls, depending on the model. It is also important to acknowledge where the emergency stop button is and how to use it when in need. Always test the controls at ground levels first and understand how to move the boom slowly. 

Step 3: Ensure Safety When Entering 

To enter the machine safely, you can use the access gate while keeping three points of contact. Place both hands on the fixed handrails and one foot firmly on the step, then move one step at a time. Pull yourself up to place both feet on the platform floor and get into the platform safely. You should never carry tools or hold loose objects while climbing in. 

After getting in, remember to close the gate fully before operation. Never climb over the guardrails to enter or exit the basket for safety reasons. 

Right after that, you need to put on your harness correctly to prevent any fall risk. The lanyard should be attached to the designated anchor points of the basket, not the guardrails. For more instruction, learn how to handle a harness correctly and safely with our training course.  

Step 4: Operating the Cherry Picker 

When using a cherry picker, try to maintain a stable working position with slow adjustment and keep your feet flat on the floor. This will ensure stability and your safety in operation.

Raise the Platform

Now that you know the controls, you can start working by raising the platform slowly using smooth and controlled movements. The basket should be raised gradually while avoiding all obstacles above and around it. A slow movement will help avoid instability and protect the safety of the operator. 

Some machines come with the dead man’s switch, which is located on the floor of the boom. It’s automatically cut off when you move your foot. 

Move and Position the Basket 

Once the platform is elevated, you can use the steering control to move the platform around and position it to reach the right spot. The basket is in the right position when you have a comfortable reach to the desired spot. If you cannot reach the task easily, lower the platform and drive the cherry picker to a suitable position.  

You can now carry out the work at height. Safety should always be put first during operation. Here are some essential requirements you should pay attention to: 

• Keep your tools safely on the platform. 
• Never exceed the platform weight limit. 
• Stay inside the guardrails at all times. 
• Be aware of the surroundings. 
• Never use high working platforms in extreme weather, like strong winds. 
• Never move the machine while elevated. 

These requirements are essential to protect you and people nearby from serious accidents.  

Step 5: Lower the Platform 

When you have finished the task, it’s time to lower the platform. Again, proceed slowly with caution to maintain stability and safety. When lowering down, you need to check if the area below is clear of people and objects. Return the boom fully to its stowed position and only exit the machine when it’s fully lowered and stable.

  

Step 6: Maintenance and Post-Use Check  

Once the machine is fully lowered, lift the stabiliser legs into their original position. You can turn off the machine and push in the emergency stop buttons. Keys should be removed. Lastly, check for damage and report any issues you encounter before driving the cherry pickers into the designated area. Recharge the electric booms for next use if needed.

What to Do in an Emergency 

In the case of an emergency, press the red button to immediately stop the machine. There are 2 emergency buttons, located at the base unit and inside the cage. Some machines also come with emergency lowering control to help you get down safely without danger.  

Cherry Picker Hire for Safe Working at Height 

Cherry pickers are reliable machines for working at height. However, they can only be operated by competent individuals for safety reasons. This blog has illustrated the steps on how to use a cherry picker, from setting up to operations. This should not replace proper training by a certified organisation. 

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For safe and reliable access equipment, hire power access equipment and cherry pickers from Speedy Hire with fast delivery. We maintain and service all machines, trusted by leading contractors for quality and safety. Get more information on low-carbon work platforms to lower carbon emissions while achieving great results for your project!