Cherry Picker & Access Platform Hire in Bristol & the South West
Cherry pickers and access platforms are essential for safe working at height, whether for tree surgery, building maintenance, painting or installations. This guide covers hire options across the South West.
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Cherry Picker Hire Prices in the South West
Cherry picker and access platform hire in the South West varies by type and working height. A small trailer-mounted cherry picker with 12m working height costs £80-£150 per day. A self-propelled boom lift reaching 15-20m costs £150-£300 per day. Scissor lifts for indoor work cost £80-£180 per day. Truck-mounted cherry pickers with 20-40m reach are available from £250-£600 per day. Most hire companies in Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth and Swindon offer weekly rates at three to four times the daily rate. Delivery and collection are charged separately, and operated hire with a trained driver costs extra but is recommended for larger machines.
Choosing the Right Access Platform
Consider the working height you need, the type of ground surface, and whether you need to work indoors or outdoors. Scissor lifts provide a stable, large platform for indoor work like warehouse maintenance and fitting. Articulated boom lifts are best for reaching over obstacles such as trees, walls or building projections. Trailer-mounted cherry pickers are easy to transport and ideal for occasional use on domestic properties. Truck-mounted platforms offer the greatest reach and are commonly used for tree surgery, telecommunications work and building facade maintenance. Always check the ground bearing capacity, as larger machines are heavy and can sink into soft ground.
Safety and Licensing Requirements
Working at height is one of the biggest causes of workplace injury. Anyone operating a cherry picker on a construction site needs an IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) licence. For domestic use, the hire company should provide a full induction. Always wear a harness attached to the platform anchor point. Check the weather conditions, as most cherry pickers should not be used in winds above 28mph. Inspect the machine before use, checking for hydraulic leaks, damaged controls and tyre condition. Set up on firm, level ground and use outriggers where fitted. Never exceed the safe working load of the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does plant hire cost in the South West?▼
A mini digger costs £120-£180 per day. Cherry pickers cost £100-£250 per day. Weekly rates offer better value for longer projects.
Do I need a licence to operate a mini digger?▼
On construction sites you need a CPCS or NPORS card. For domestic use, most hire companies offer a brief induction on smaller machines.
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