Last updated on August 17th, 2022
Cherry picker hire cost guide
You can hire a cherry picker to access otherwise unreachable heights for DIY or decorating, building or gardening work.
There are a couple of different ways to hire a cherry picker. You can hire one by the hour for small jobs, or by the day or week for larger projects. In many cases, a qualified, trained operator or crew is included in the cost of the hire.
Cost of cherry picker hire by the hour
One of the most popular ways to hire a cherry picker is by the hour with a crew. It typically costs £30 per hour for a one-man crew.
For smaller tasks such as minor roof repairs or tree pruning, this can be the most cost-effective option. When you don’t need the machinery for the whole day, you can just pay for the time and labour you need.
| Cost provided item | Price range - low | Price range - high | Average UK cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-man crew (per hour) | £27.50 | £32.50 | £30 |
| Two-man crew (per hour) | £52.50 | £67.50 | £60 |
| Scissor platform (per day) | £280 | £320 | £300 |
| Truck mounted (per day) | £370 | £400 | £385 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Cherry picker hire cost per day
Another way to hire a cherry picker is by the day. This can cost anywhere between £215 and £495, depending on cherry picker type. You might want to do this for larger projects, where work takes longer than a couple of hours. The cost can vary depending on the size or type of vehicle you need – i.e. a scissor platform or a truck-mounted cherry picker.
| Type of cherry picker | Lowest cost (per day) | Highest cost (per day) | Average cost (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scissor platform | £215 | £385 | £300 |
| Truck-mounted | £275 | £495 | £385 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Other factors to consider with cherry picker hire
Cherry picker hire is pretty straightforward, but there may be a handful of other costs to consider. For example:
- VAT – unless already included in the price
- Vehicle size – larger cherry pickers with hydraulic systems are likely to cost more
- Transport costs – if the cherry picker crew has to travel far to get to you, it could cost more. This is why it could be worth looking for a local company first.
FAQs
Can I drive the cherry picker myself and do I need a special licence?
If you’re hiring a cherry picker which weighs under 3.5 tonnes, you can legally operate it as long as you have a valid UK driving licence.
You will need to hire a trained operator (or undergo training) to drive larger or more specialised cherry pickers. For safety purposes, it is recommended to use a trained operator regardless.
Is hiring a cherry picker cheaper than installing scaffolding?
In most cases, hiring a cherry picker when you need it works out much more affordable than hiring scaffolding – especially when hired by the hour.
Are cherry pickers suitable for work on all types of terrain?
It’s important to check in advance that your cherry picker will be able to handle the surface it will be driven on, as well as any slopes and inclines. You should also check that the cherry picker can handle the weight of any equipment it will carry.
Michael Harrison
Very informative
JOHN HUMPLEMAN
Artical very informative - thank you
Checkatrade
Hi Garry, I recommend filling in our request a quote form to get quotes for cherry picker hire.
Garry Currie
Hi, I'm looking for a quote for a half day hire of a cherry picker to reach apex of house roof to check tiles. Thanks.
Checkatrade
Hi Marion, for a quote, I recommend filling in our request a quote form to get quotes from three tradespeople near you.
Marion Shoebridge
Price to Paint gable end wall of house