Cherry Picker vs Scissor Lift: Which Powered Access Hire Is Right for Your May Project?

⏱ Read time: 7 min

The job is up high. A ladder won't cut it, scaffolding is expensive and takes a week to erect, and you've been putting this off since October. May is finally here, the weather has stopped being miserable, and it's time to sort the gutters / the fascias / the cladding / the very tall hedge (delete as applicable).

The question is: do you hire a cherry picker or a scissor lift? Both get you up. Both are available from HSS DIY with next day delivery. But they do genuinely different jobs, and hiring the wrong one for your project means either the machine won't reach what you need, or it won't fit where you need it to go. Neither outcome is ideal when you've paid for a day's hire and the job still needs doing.

This guide cuts through the cherry picker vs scissor lift question properly: what each machine does, which is right for which type of project, what they cost, and what you need to know about certification before you step onto the platform.

At HSS DIY - The Home of Great Projects - you can hire cherry pickers, boom lifts, electric scissor lifts and diesel scissor lifts online 24/7, with next day delivery. 'Buy the materials. Hire the tools. One order. All in one place.'

Which One Is Right for Your Project?

Choose a Cherry Picker / Boom Lift when: You need to reach over or around an obstacle (a hedge, a pitched roof, overhanging branches). You're working on gutters, fascias, soffits or chimneys where the platform needs to come in from an angle. You need to work on trees. The electric articulated boom also works in narrow indoor spaces where a scissor lift won't manoeuvre.

Choose a Scissor Lift when: The work is directly above the machine - cladding, internal ceiling work, painting at height, installation. You need a stable, larger platform for tools and materials. You're working indoors (electric model) or on rough outdoor terrain (diesel model). The platform will stay mostly in one position while you work.

The other factor that catches people out: access width. A diesel scissor lift or large boom lift needs to fit through your gate to reach the garden. Measure the narrowest point of your access route and check it against the machine dimensions on the product page before booking. A machine that won't fit through the gate is as useful as no machine at all - which is to say, not very.

The Full Powered Access Range at HSS DIY

Every machine below is available to hire from HSS DIY with next day delivery. All links go directly to the hire pages for you to read the product specifications.

🔵  Electric Scissor Lift | 5m to 22.5m working height | Indoor use | Low noise, no emissions

Audience: DIY homeowners and trade - indoor renovation, decorating, maintenance on flat surfaces

The go-to for indoor working at height - painting ceilings, fitting lighting, inspecting rooflines from the inside, warehouse and storage work. No emissions, low noise, non-marking tyres. Self-propelled with pendant control so you can drive while elevated. Runs for a full working day on a charge. Must be used on flat, solid, level surfaces.

Hire Electric Scissor Lift

🔴  Diesel Scissor Lift | 10m to 34m working height | Rough terrain | Outdoor heavy use

Audience: Tradespeople and confident DIYers - outdoor construction, maintenance, large-scale renovation

For outdoor projects on uneven or rough ground where the electric model won't cope. 4x4 capability, self-levelling outriggers, extending deck for extra platform space. Working heights from 9.75m up to 34m depending on model. Fuel not supplied - arrange white diesel or HVO before mobilisation. The right machine for outdoor cladding, large structure maintenance and construction site elevated work.

Hire Diesel Scissor Lift

🟡  Articulated Electric Boom Lift | Cherry picker — reaches around obstacles | Indoor and outdoor

Audience: DIY and trade - gutter work, fascias, soffits, trees, anywhere with obstructions

The electric cherry picker. Articulated arm reaches up, over and around garden features, pitched roofs and overhanging structures. 1.5m wide - check access routes before booking. Battery provides 6-8 hours of continuous operation. Ideal for domestic exterior maintenance, gutter and fascia work, and indoor work in taller industrial or commercial spaces.

Hire Articulated Electric Boom Lift

🟠  Articulated Narrow Electric Boom Lift | Narrow width for tighter access | Cherry picker variant

Audience: DIY and trade - anywhere access is restricted

Narrower width than the standard articulated boom - better for getting through tighter access points and into confined indoor spaces. Same articulated arm reach capability for working around obstructions. A good choice when the standard boom lift won't fit your access route, but you still need horizontal reach.

Hire Articulated Narrow Electric Boom Lift

🟤  Van and Truck Mounted Boom Lifts | Vehicle-mounted cherry pickers | Road-towable

Audience: Trade - highway, facilities management, telecoms, roadside maintenance

Vehicle-mounted boom lifts for jobs requiring road access or where the machine needs to move between multiple locations. Reaches different working heights depending on model, with safe working loads up to 280kg. Ideal for highway maintenance, facilities management, and utility work around built-up areas.

Hire Van and Truck Mounted Boom Lifts

Cherry Pickers & Boom Lifts | Electric Scissor Lifts | Diesel Scissor Lifts

Hire or Buy? The Decision Is Easy for Most People

Powered access equipment sits firmly in the 'always hire' category for the vast majority of users. The capital cost alone rules out ownership for any domestic project. Even for contractors, the economics only shift toward ownership when equipment is working every week of the year - and that's a small minority of plant hire users.

The other factor: annual inspection (LOLER - Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) is mandatory for all lifting equipment used commercially, and adds a recurring ownership cost on top of storage, insurance and maintenance. Hire it, use it, return it.

Watch Before You Operate

Particularly worth watching if this is your first time on a MEWP. The controls are straightforward but the operating procedure matters.

• HSS DIY YouTube — youtube.com/@HSSDIY — Equipment guides and project content from The Home of Great Projects. Check the channel for powered access how-to content.
• IPAF YouTube channel — youtube.com/@IPAFofficial — The official IPAF channel produces safety and operator guidance videos for MEWPs. Credible, UK-relevant, English language.
• HSS Training — IPAF courses at hsstraining.com — If this is your first time on any powered access equipment and you're heading onto a commercial site, this is where to book before you hire.

Case Study: Repainting a Detached House Exterior - Two Machines, One Weekend

The project: Full exterior repaint of a two-storey detached house - fascias, soffits, window frames and walls. Garden on three sides, driveway on the fourth. Previous owners had used scaffolding, which took a week to erect and cost more than the painting itself.

Machine 1- Boom lift (cherry picker): Used on the gable ends and chimney stack where the boom arm could reach over the border plantings and angle up to the soffits from the driveway. A scissor lift would have needed the plants removed to get close enough to the wall.

Machine 2- Diesel scissor lift: Used along the flat rear garden run where there were no obstructions and the painter needed a stable platform to cover large wall areas quickly. The bigger platform surface made carrying paint and brushes much easier than a boom basket.

Result: Full exterior painted over two weekends. Both machines hired from HSS DIY through the same booking, delivered on the same day. Cost of hire across both weekends: approximately £480. Scaffold quote for the same job: £1,400.

Safety - Everything You Need to Know Before Getting on the Platform

Working at height is one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the UK, according to the HSE. Powered access equipment is significantly safer than ladders and scaffolding when used correctly - and significantly more dangerous when it isn't. Here's what matters:

• IPAF certification is required for all powered access equipment: Category 3a covers scissor lifts. Category 3b covers boom lifts and cherry pickers. This applies on all commercial and construction sites. For domestic private use it is not legally required, but training is still strongly recommended. HSS Training runs IPAF courses see hsstraining.com
• Wear a harness and attach it: this is the single most important safety instruction for any MEWP. The harness is on the platform. It has to be attached to the anchor point. Wearing it but not clipping it in is the most common working at height failure. The harness only works when it's connected
• Never overreach from the platform: the platform is where you work. Leaning out over the guardrail shifts your centre of gravity and is a major cause of fall incidents from MEWPs. Move the machine rather than stretching. Every time
• Ground conditions matter enormously: electric scissor lifts must only be used on flat, solid, level surfaces. Using one on a slope or soft ground causes instability. Diesel scissor lifts are rated for rough terrain - check your model spec before taking it onto uneven ground
• Overhead power lines: map them before the machine arrives. Maintain a minimum safe distance of 9 metres from 11kV overhead lines and further for higher voltages. This is non-negotiable and is a leading cause of fatalities in MEWP incidents in the UK
• Wind limits: electric scissor lifts must not be used outdoors in winds above 28mph. Boom lifts and cherry pickers have their own wind limits depending on platform height - check the manufacturer guidance for each model. Don't assume it's fine because it doesn't feel windy on the ground
• Pre-use inspection: a documented pre-use check before every shift of use, not just before the first one. Check the controls, platform gate, emergency lowering system, battery or fuel level, and any visible damage. If anything is wrong, don't use the machine - contact HSS DIY via live chat

Full working at height regulatory guidance: hse.gov.uk/work-at-height. Safety equipment — harnesses, hard hats, hi-vis — available to buy at HSS DIY alongside your hire booking

Powered Access Hire - Pre-Booking and On-Site Checklist

Before you book:

• Machine type decided: cherry picker for reach and obstacles; scissor lift for direct vertical access and larger platform
• Working height confirmed: measure from ground to work area, add 1-2m for comfortable working position on the platform
• Access route measured: gate width, alley width, overhead clearances — check against machine dimensions on the product page
• Indoor or outdoor confirmed: electric scissor lifts for indoor and smooth surfaces; diesel or bi-fuel for rough outdoor terrain
• IPAF card checked: 3a for scissor lifts, 3b for boom lifts. Must be current and cover the machine category. Commercial sites require this — check your card at ipaf.org
• Overhead hazards noted: power lines, tree branches, roof overhangs — map these before the machine arrives, not after it's on site

On site:

• Pre-use inspection complete: controls, platform gate, emergency lowering, battery charge or fuel level, tyre condition, all checked and documented
• Ground conditions checked: electric scissor lifts need flat, solid, level surfaces. Diesel models handle uneven ground — check your model's spec if unsure
• Exclusion zone established: no bystanders under or near the platform while elevated. This applies to domestic gardens as much as construction sites
• PPE on: harness worn and attached to the anchor point on the platform. Hard hat, hi-vis, steel toe-cap boots as minimum
• Don't overreach: stay within the platform - never lean out over the guardrail or use a ladder from the platform to gain extra height
• Wind check: electric scissor lifts must not be used outdoors in winds above 28mph. Boom lifts have their own wind limits - check the manufacturer guidance

Full safety guidance on all machine product pages at hss.mom. PPE goggles, ear defenders, gloves, boots available to buy at HSS DIY alongside your hire booking.

Up You Go - Once You've Chosen the Right Machine

The cherry picker vs scissor lift decision isn't complicated once you've thought through the four key factors: reach and manoeuvrability, working height, ground conditions, and access width. Get those right and you'll have the right machine for the job. Get them wrong and you'll be reorganising your weekend around a machine that won't fit through the garden gate.

HSS DIY has the full powered access range - electric and diesel scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts, narrow boom lifts and vehicle-mounted cherry pickers - all available to book online 24/7 with next day delivery. May is the busiest month for powered access hire in the UK, so book ahead and don't leave it until the morning of the job.

Book Your Powered Access Hire Today

Browse the full powered access range - cherry pickers, boom lifts, electric and diesel scissor lifts - at hss.mom/hire/c/powered-access - online 24/7, next day delivery available.

Buy the materials. Hire the tools. One order. All in one place.

Get DIY Happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a cherry picker and a scissor lift?

A cherry picker (boom lift) has an articulated arm that can reach upward and outward, manoeuvring around obstacles to position the basket where you need it. A scissor lift goes straight up - the platform rises vertically on a scissor-action mechanism, giving you a larger, more stable work surface but no horizontal reach. Cherry pickers are better for working around obstructions; scissor lifts are better for direct vertical work and larger platform loads.

Do I need an IPAF licence to hire a cherry picker or scissor lift?

For commercial or construction sites, yes - IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) certification is required to operate any MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform), which includes both cherry pickers and scissor lifts. Category 3b covers boom lifts; category 3a covers scissor lifts. For domestic private use, IPAF is not a legal requirement, but HSS DIY and HSS Training strongly recommend completing an IPAF course before operating any powered access equipment for the first time. Check your card validity at ipaf.org.

Which is safer - a cherry picker or a scissor lift?

Both are safe when operated correctly with appropriate training and PPE. Scissor lifts are generally considered slightly more stable for prolonged work in one position because the platform is larger and the vertical mechanism is inherently steady. Cherry pickers carry a slightly higher risk from the articulated arm movement, particularly when the platform is at full reach - which is why harness attachment and IPAF training matter. The most common cause of MEWP incidents is operator error, not machine failure.

Can I hire a cherry picker or scissor lift for a domestic home project?

Yes - both are available to hire from HSS DIY for domestic projects. There is no legal requirement for IPAF certification on private domestic land, though training is strongly recommended. The most common domestic uses are gutter cleaning and replacement, exterior painting, fascia and soffit work, hedge and tree trimming at height, and roof maintenance. Check the machine dimensions against your access before booking - garden gates are often narrower than the machine.

How much does it cost to hire a cherry picker vs a scissor lift?

Electric scissor lift hire starts from around £80/day and diesel scissor lifts from around £120/day from HSS DIY. Cherry picker and boom lift hire starts from around £100/day for electric articulated models and more for diesel or larger boom lifts. The right machine for your project is more important than the daily rate - a slightly more expensive cherry picker that can reach your work area without removing garden features is better value than a cheaper scissor lift that can't get close enough to be useful. Verify live pricing at hss.mom - rates vary by location and hire period.

Why is May a particularly good time for powered access hire?

Spring and early summer are the prime season for exterior maintenance, renovation and garden work in the UK - the jobs that have been on the list all winter finally become practical when the weather is reliable. Gutters blocked with autumn leaves, fascias that need repainting, roof sections that need inspection - May is when these get tackled. Demand for powered access hire increases significantly in May, so booking ahead of when you need the machine is sensible. Next day delivery from HSS DIY is available on most powered access equipment, but availability tightens in peak season.

Useful External Sources

HSE — Working at Height Regulations: hse.gov.uk/work-at-height — The regulatory framework for all working at height activities in the UK, including MEWP use. Essential reading for any powered access project.

IPAF — Safety Guidance and Card Check: ipaf.org — The industry body for powered access equipment. Check IPAF card validity and find accredited training providers including HSS Training.

HSE — MEWP Safety Guidance: hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg 388.htm — HSE guidance specifically on the safe use of mobile elevating work platforms, including pre-use checks and operator responsibilities.

HSS Training — IPAF Courses: hsstraining.com — Accredited IPAF training for scissor lifts (3a) and boom lifts (3b). Required for commercial site use; recommended for all operators.

HSS DIY YouTube: youtube.com/@HSSDIY — Equipment guides and project content from The Home of Great Projects.

Prices shown are indicative hire and buy rates as of May 2026 and subject to change. Always check hss.mom for current pricing. HSS ProService Ltd.