Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and cherry pickers are essential tools in various industries for safely working at height. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different types of machinery with distinct features and applications. This article aims to clarify the differences, helping you make informed decisions for your height-related tasks.
A Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) is a mechanical device used to provide access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. MEWPs come in various types, each designed for specific tasks and environments:
- Scissor Lifts move vertically and are ideal for tasks that require a stable platform and access to high, straight-up positions. They are commonly used in maintenance, warehouse operations, and construction.
- Telescopic Boom Handlers are versatile MEWPs that combine the functionality of a forklift with that of a crane. With their straight extending arm, they are often used in agriculture, construction, and industry for lifting and placing heavy loads
- Articulated Boom Lifts have multiple sections that bend, allowing for greater flexibility in reaching over obstacles and accessing hard-to-reach areas. They are used in various sectors including maintenance, electrical work, and tree surgery.
A Cherry Picker, also known as a boom lift, is a type of MEWP, designed with an extendable arm and a platform or bucket at the end. Originally developed for harvesting fruit in orchards, cherry pickers have evolved to serve various industrial and commercial applications.
MEWPs: Generally offer a broader range of height and reach options, with some models capable of extending over 100 feet. Boom lifts and telescopic handlers provide extensive horizontal and vertical reach. They have advanced manoeuvrability with extending arms and rotating platforms, whilst extremely robust and stable in rough terrains.
Cherry Pickers: Typically designed for moderate height and reach, suitable for tasks like tree trimming and building maintenance. They are more versatile for tasks requiring both height and manoeuvrability, such as tree surgery, window cleaning and maintenance builds. These are best in tight spaces, and prefer stable ground to operate from.
MEWPs have larger platforms that can accommodate multiple workers and equipment, making them suitable for tasks requiring more space and load capacity, whereas cherry pickers have smaller platforms designed for one or two workers, ideal for focused tasks that require precision.
Like MEWPs, cherry pickers are subject to stringent safety regulations and must be operated by workers with a licence. Operators must undergo specific training and certification to use cherry pickers safely. Operators must wear appropriate PPE, including harnesses when working at height.
Determine the specific needs of your task and if you require extensive height and reach, over tight corners that need a bending arm, and you can decide if a boom lift or telescopic handler might be more suitable. For more focused tasks like tree trimming or window cleaning, a cherry picker could be ideal.
In conclusion, while MEWPs and cherry pickers serve similar purposes, they are distinct machines with unique capabilities, and applications. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right equipment to deliver work safely and efficiently. Whether you're in construction, maintenance, or any other industry requiring work at height, knowing when to hire an MEWP or cherry picker can make all the difference.
Always prioritise safety. Ensure that the equipment chosen complies with all safety regulations and that operators are adequately trained and certified.
