Cherry pickers are no longer just for orchards. While they were originally designed for picking fruit—hence the name—these machines have become an essential piece of access equipment across many different industries. From trimming tall trees to emergency rescue, there are now dozens of uses for a cherry picker.
Whether you’re looking into cherry picker hire for the first time or you’re just curious about how these machines are used today, here are 3 versatile ways a cherry picker can be used.
1. Tree Work & Fruit Picking
Let’s start with the obvious one—but it’s still worth talking about.
Cherry pickers were initially developed for fruit picking in orchards. Today, they’re still used by farmers and orchardists who need to pick fruit from tall trees safely and efficiently. However, their role in tree trimming and landscape maintenance has expanded far beyond just taking cherries.
Modern models can reach impressive heights and offer stable platforms for workers handling chainsaws, clippers, or buckets. Instead of climbing, workers can stay grounded on a secure platform with full access to the upper canopy.
Common uses include:
- Pruning and tree trimming
- Removing dangerous limbs after storms
- Installing bird netting in orchards
- Harvesting fruit from hard-to-reach places
By replacing ladders and other climbing equipment, cherry pickers offer a much safer alternative for elevated tree work.
2. Building Maintenance & Cleaning
One of the most practical uses for a cherry picker is in building maintenance—especially when it involves accessing tall buildings, upper floors, or awkward angles that regular ladders just can’t reach.
From roof access to building painting, and even installing bird spikes or doing high-pressure cleaning, cherry pickers provide a steady, elevated platform. This allows workers to complete their jobs without compromising safety or efficiency.
Some tasks they’re perfect for:
- Building painting and façade touch-ups
- Signage installation at height
- Gutter cleaning and roof maintenance
- Window washing for high-rises and commercial properties
- Installing or maintaining pest control systems
With models like articulated knuckle boom lifts, telescopic booms, and electric cherry pickers, there’s a solution for nearly every space and surface—especially in areas where scaffolding isn’t practical.
3. Emergency Services & Electrical Work
Cherry pickers also play a vital role in life-threatening situations and emergency access. Whether it’s for fire services, utility workers, or emergency control teams, these machines are used to access dangerous or difficult areas in a safe and efficient manner.
Need to fix a power line, reach a telephone pole, or deal with overhead cables after a storm? Most cherry pickers can be deployed quickly, giving workers the elevated height they need while following safety regulations.
They’re also used for:
- Rescue operations in hard-to-reach spots
- Emergency roof access after structural damage
- Electrical work on electricity poles
- Camera setups for emergency broadcasts or surveillance
- Firefighter access to upper floors and high windows
When time is critical, a cherry picker becomes more than just maintenance equipment—it can be a literal lifesaver.
Why Hire a Cherry Picker?
If your project involves working at height, hiring a cherry picker could be the smartest (and safest) move you make.
Unlike static scaffolding or unstable ladders, cherry pickers are:
- Easy to transport and quick to set up
- Great for high angles and tight access areas
- Built for safety, with strict operating limitations in place
- Ideal for projects involving power lines, roof access, or signage
From orchard work to emergency services, cherry pickers are the perfect tool for completing elevated tasks with confidence.
Ready to Work Safely at Height?
At the end of the day, there’s a reason cherry pickers have become a leading choice for professionals in different industries. Whether you’re maintaining a building, picking fruit, or responding to an emergency, there’s a cherry picker designed to get the job done—safely and efficiently.
If you’re planning a high-access project, consider cherry picker hire. With the right machine, the job becomes not only easier—but far safer.