What Is a Cherry Picker? A Complete Guide to Access Platforms, MEWPs & Aerial Lifts
When most people hear ‘cherry pickers,‘ it’s easy to think of Actual cherries, a green meadow, farmers harvesting fruit in an orchard, and this is understandable, as the phrase existed long before modern-day Powered Access Equipment.
But if you are here, it probably means you are likely “working at height”, or just need a better understanding of what they are, and what they are used for. If you are looking to start your fleet or enter the sector, this is a good place to start.
Although Cherry picker is the most commonly used name for Powered access equipment, you might hear them called various other names depending on the region you live in, the age of the people you are speaking to, and the common practice within your organisation.
Depending on who you’re speaking to, the same type of machine may be called:
- Cherry picker
- MEWP (Mobile elevated work platform)
- Access platform
- Boom lift
- Elevated work platform
- Aerial work platform
Cherry picker, although widely used, is an informal term for “Access Platform or MEWP”. These are the main terms CPL uses for our working at height conversions, with our European counterparts using the term Sky Works for this product sector.
Using the correct term helps:
- Avoid misunderstandings about safety and capability
- Ensure the right machine is chosen for the job
- Meet health & safety, insurance, and compliance requirements
While “cherry picker” is widely understood and perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, MEWP is the correct technical term used in training, regulations, and professional environments, while Access platform is more commonly used by commercial organisations.
What Is an Access Platform?
We have established that a Cherry Picker is an Access Platform or MEWP. But what exactly are they, what do they do?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) as equipment designed to provide a safe work platform for temporary work at height. MEWPs are classified as work equipment that helps prevent falls. This definition also applies to Access Platforms.
An Access Platform is a safe, controlled way to access elevated work areas that would otherwise require ladders or scaffolding.
Key features:
- Elevated platform for operators to stand and work from
- Powered lifting system (hydraulic or electric)
- Built-in safety systems such as guardrails, emergency lowering, and load sensors
- Mobility, allowing it to be repositioned quickly between tasks
Types of Access Platforms
- Boom lifts – offer outreach and up-and-over access
- Scissor lifts – provide vertical lift for work directly above (CPL is a Palazzani and Almac dealer)
- Vehicle-mounted MEWPs – combine road travel with rapid deployment (This is what CPL Specialises in)
- Tracked / spider lifts – ideal for confined or sensitive ground conditions
Most Access platforms you encounter, and the majority of CPL units, fall under the “Static Boom (1B, 1B+): Self-propelled booms (outriggers), trailers/push-arounds, vehicle-mounted platforms” (IPAF). You will also likely encounter:
- Static Vertical (1A): Vertical personnel platforms (static)
- Mobile Vertical (3A, 3A+): Scissor lifts, vertical personnel platforms (mobile)
- Mobile Boom (3B, 3B+): Self-propelled booms
These machines are commonly used in:
- Utilities and live line work
- Telecoms and CCTV installation
- Tree care and arboriculture
- Facilities maintenance
- Construction and infrastructure
- Local authority and street lighting
- Window cleaning and building maintenance
With a focus on safety, reach and efficiency compared to ladders and scaffolding. Check out the industries we support.
Why Are Access Platforms Called Cherry Pickers?
The “Cherry Picker” term originates from the early boom lift designs, which were created for fruit harvesting, so its roots are in agriculture, showing a clear path for one of our biggest sectors, Arboriculture.
In the Mid-20th century, farmers needed safer and faster methods to pick fruit, particularly cherries that grow higher and require delicate handling. Engineers created hydraulic lifting arms with small platforms or buckets to raise workers into the branches, leading to the term “cherry picker.”
As technology advanced, these lifting units found applications in various fields, including utilities for overhead power lines, councils for street lighting, and telecommunications and construction for accessing heights. Manufacturers like CPL and KLUBB Group enhanced the machines with safety systems, improved stability, and increased reach, but the original nickname persisted, even as the equipment evolved to be more specialised.
What are the alternative terms for “Access Platform” and how and where are they used?
Aerial Work Platform (AWP)
- Common in North America and the UK
- Often used interchangeably with MEWP
Elevated Work Platform (EWP)
- Used in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia
Sky Works / Sky Workers (Europe)
- Regional terminology
- Often brand- or market-driven language
Boom Lift / Man Lift / Access Lift
- Informal or job-specific terms
- Differences in meaning depending on region
Types of Cherry Pickers & Access Platforms
The KLUBB group specialises in vehicle-mounted access platform conversions. This includes the 4×4 pick-up models designed by CPL in the UK, the chassis-mounted designs conceptualised by ISOLI in Italy, and the van-mounted variations originally developed by KLUBB in France. Below, we provide a brief overview of some models available in the UK.
Pick-Up Mounted & All-Terrain Units
A road-legal, off-road-capable access platform mounted on a 4×4 pickup, designed for rugged sites and remote locations. Use case: rural areas, arboriculture, telecommunications, and off-road work. This is CPL’s staple product, the UK’s best-selling 4×4 access platform. Learn More.
Van-Mounted Cherry Pickers
A compact MEWP integrated into a road-going van, allowing fast travel, quick setup, and efficient access for urban and facilities work. Ideal for urban work, councils, and utilities.
- CPL KL21B: 3t, 11.40m telescopic cherry picker mounted on a Renault Trafic van. No outriggers | Learn More.
- CPL KL26 Cutaway: 3.5t, 11.80m cutaway Renault Master. No outriggers (Electric Version Available) | Learn More.
- CPL KL32: 3.5t, 12.50m telescopic full van-mount Renault Master. No outriggers | Learn More.
- CPL KL38P: 3.5t, 13.80m telescopic boom, full van-mount Renault Master. Twin outriggers | Learn More.
- CPL K42P: 5.2t, 14.80m 1kv telescopic Iveco Daily panel van, with 1400kg payload. Twin outriggers | Learn More.
- CPL E12P Cutaway (2Kv downrated insulation): 3.5t, 11.80m insulated boom, cutaway Renault Master. Twin outriggers | Get in touch to Learn More.
- CPL E13 (2Kv downrated insulation): 3.5t, 12.3m insulated boom. L2H2 Renault Master. No outriggers | Get in touch to Learn More.
Truck-Mounted Cherry Pickers
These are larger units with greater reach and wider bodies, ideal for larger-scale projects. Use cases include highways, telecommunications, roofing, and power networks, including a specialised IAD for live line work.
- CPL20 (Flat under basket): 3.5t, 19.90m articulated boom, Iveco Daily. 4 outriggers | Learn More.
- E15P2 (46Kv insulated): 7t 4×2 or 4×4, 14.50m telescopic and pendulum boom, mounted on Iveco Daily. 4 outriggers | Learn More.
- E18P (46Kv insulated): 7t, 18.5m 4×4 telescopic & pendulum platform. 4 outriggers and an integrated workshop. 4 outriggers | Learn More.
Spider Lifts (Tracked Access Platforms)
A compact, tracked MEWP designed for tight access and sensitive ground, offering high reach and stability on uneven surfaces. Use cases: indoor/outdoor versatility and extremely uneven terrain. CPL is a dealer for both Palazzani and Almacrawler.
Below are a few of their most popular products:
- Palazzani TZJ 160 Spider: 2515kg, 16m 2 man basket with 230kg capacity | Learn More.
- Palazzani TZX 190 Spider: 2300kg, 19m 2 man basket with 200kg capacity | Learn More.
- Almac JIBBI 1670 EVO: 3850 kg, 16 m 2 man basket with 130 capacity | Learn More.
- Almac JIBBI 1890 PRiMO: 6300kg, 17.90m 2 man basket with 150kg capacity | Learn More.
Scissor Lifts
A vertical-lift MEWP providing straight-up access (no outreach) for working directly above, ideal for indoor or flat-surface jobs.
Our main supplier for these units is Almacrawler:
- Almac Bibi 1090-BL Bi-Energy electric: 2900kg, 10m 2 man basket, with 300kg capacity | Learn More.
- Almac Bibi 870-BL EVO: 2460kg, 7.9m 2 man basket, with 250kg capacity | Learn More.
Why Speak to CPL Before Choosing an Access Platform
- CPL’s consultative approach
- Support for:
- First-time MEWP buyers
- Fleet upgrades
- Multi-vehicle expansions
- Experience across all supported sectors
- Bespoke vehicle builds & configurations
- Long-term partnership, not just a sale
Whether you’re buying your first access platform or expanding a national fleet, CPL helps you choose the right platform for today and tomorrow.
What’s next?
How to Choose the Right Cherry Picker for Your Job
Check out our previous blog on what to look out for when Buying a New Access Platform.
Buying vs Hiring a Cherry Picker
Are you still deciding whether to buy or hire? Check out our helpful guide to get you going.
Cherry Picker Safety, Training & Compliance
