So, you’re tackling a project that requires work at height. This leads to the question: is a cherry picker cheaper than scaffolding? Choosing the right access platform can impact your budget and project timeline. We’ll explore several scenarios, considering project size, duration, and specific needs.
Table Of Contents:
- Cherry Pickers vs. Scaffolding: A Cost Comparison
- Is a Cherry Picker Cheaper than Scaffolding? Real-World Examples
- Conclusion
Cherry Pickers vs. Scaffolding: A Cost Comparison
Deciding between a cherry picker and scaffolding isn’t just about cost. It’s about balancing cost, safety, and efficiency for a successful project.
Project Size and Duration: A Key Factor
For short-term projects like domestic tasks, a cherry picker is often cost-effective. They’re quick to set up, unlike scaffolding. But for projects lasting weeks or months, cherry picker hire costs accumulate.
Scaffolding becomes more viable for long-term projects. This often depends on your project size.
Navigating Height Requirements
Working at extreme heights adds complexity. Higher work requires larger, more expensive cherry pickers.
Specialised equipment for substantial heights increases cherry picker costs. Scaffolding may be slower to erect.
However, scaffolding might be more economical for extended durations at great heights, despite its construction and material costs, and worker training. It is always better to go for scaffolding option in terms of safety and number of workers access.
The Number of Workers: Does It Matter?
Scaffolding offers simultaneous worker access. Cherry pickers accommodate only one or two workers, affecting efficiency and cost.
For short jobs with limited personnel, a cherry picker saves workers’ time. Larger projects may experience downtime if worker access is limited.
A stable platform like scaffolding could be better for various tradespeople.
Site Disruption and Accessibility
Construction sites often require manoeuvring in tight spaces. Cherry pickers are ideal for multiple locations, especially with site access obstructions.
Is a cherry picker cheaper than scaffolding considering this? Sometimes, yes, due to reduced setup and movement times. Scaffolding can be difficult in complex projects.
You can save money with cherry picker when there is restrictions for setting up scaffolds.
Safety and Training: Hidden Costs
Falls from height are a significant cause of work-related fatalities, according to the HSE. Both cherry pickers and scaffolding require safety considerations. Always look for the safe working environment.
Some cherry pickers require licensed operators, adding to the overall cost. Scaffolding often needs professional assembly, sometimes requiring certifications.
This ensures properly assessed installations, not self-assembled constructions that invalidate insurance.
Is a Cherry Picker Cheaper than Scaffolding? Real-World Examples
Let’s see how costs vary depending on project factors.
| Scenario | Cherry Picker | Scaffolding | Best Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning second-story windows on a small house | Quick setup, minimal disruption, cost-effective for short jobs. | Excessive, time-consuming setup, higher overall cost. | Cherry Picker |
| Repainting a large office building | Daily costs add up, limited worker access. | Better worker access over extended durations, reaches multiple points consistently. | Scaffolding |
| Repairing streetlights along a busy road | Manoeuvrability and setup speed benefit multiple sites with access area issues. | Impractical due to road closures and prolonged site requirements. | Cherry Picker |
These examples show how the best option depends on the variables.
Consider project details like access hire, restrictions per placement, multiple elevation requirements, and extensive site accessibility needs. These can lead to significant setup and relocation challenges and extended setup procedures.
Conclusion
So, is a cherry picker cheaper than scaffolding? The answer depends on various factors.
Balancing time, risk, project completion, and safety involves considering equipment location, manpower, task duration and nature, height requirements, and equipment accessibility.
Short-term tasks with few workers often suit cheaper cherry pickers. Long-term jobs, multiple workers, and restricted or extensive site areas suit scaffolding towers. For short duration you can hire cherry picker, but if the project requires multiple days of usage than hire scaffolding towers.
Safety is paramount. Even if a tower is easier to erect than scaffolding, the latter might be safer depending on the project. Consider all relevant factors, including if the long term project runs with multiple workers requiring a stable working platform. Carefully evaluate your project scope before hiring a cherry picker or scaffolding tower.
This informs your choice and manages expectations. Contact Horizon Platforms for further information.
