Safety and efficiency is paramount when working at height. One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to use scaffolding or a cherry picker hire. Both options offer different advantages and are suitable for different types of projects, but which is more cost effective? 

A cherry picker is a movable piece of equipment that allows people or tools to reach high and inaccessible places. The platform is attached to a long arm that can be raised and lowered. Scaffolding on the other hand is a temporary structure, which needs to be built and unbuilt, but supports workers and materials during construction. It is a thorough platform with stairs that can span the width of a building, making working at height very accessible. 

There are factors that affecting the cost of hiring these two pieces of equipment;

• Project size and duration: The larger the project, the longer the hire period will be, which will increase prices for both scaffolding hire or cherry picker hire. 
• Height required: The higher you need to go,  larger scale equipment will be needed which is more expensive, especially scaffolding as more of it is required.
• Additional equipment: If you need extra platforms or components for scaffolding, or attachments for your cherry picker, this will add to the overall cost.

Time-cost effectiveness

Cherry pickers are usually charged by hourly or daily rate, usually for shorter projects. Once on site, they are more flexible and quicker to set up and use, therefore, this saving on time will impact the cost of your project. 

Scaffolding, possibly better for larger scale projects, does require more time for initial set up. Scaffolding hire rates are usually per day / based on the complexity of the structure required. With a lower initial cost, scaffolding may be seen as the better option for a large project, which has a longer timeline.

It really depends on the job at hand. Once scaffolding is in place, you can access multiple areas at once, but over time, the hire cost will add up. For short, snappy day to day jobs, a cherry picker will be your preferred option to save money. Although the initial hire rate is slightly higher, a cherry picker is quick to complete the job, saving you time and money. 

When to Choose a Cherry Picker

• Short-term projects: If your work at height will only take a few days, a cherry picker might be more cost-effective.
• Access to multiple locations: Cherry pickers are highly manoeuvrable, making them ideal for jobs that require access to different areas.
• Minimal disruption: Cherry pickers can be quickly moved and stored, causing less disruption to your site.

When to Choose Scaffolding

• Long-term projects: If you need to work at height for an extended period, scaffolding is often more economical.
• Multiple workers: Scaffolding provides a stable platform for multiple people to work simultaneously.
• Complex projects: For intricate or detailed work, scaffolding can offer a more secure and stable working environment.

So, is a cherry picker cheaper than scaffolding? It depends on your project. Day by day, hiring a cherry picker will be more cost efficient, as scaffolding takes longer to put up before any work can be completed, and you will be charged per day. The best way to determine the most cost-effective option for your bespoke project is to get quotes from both cherry picker and scaffolding hire companies. Consider the factors mentioned above and weigh up the benefits of each to make an informed decision.