When it comes to working at height, few pieces of equipment offer the flexibility, safety, and efficiency that a boom lift (also known as a cherry picker) provides. Whether you’re working on construction sites, performing maintenance on tall buildings, trimming trees, or even filming at a high angle, boom lifts can help you get the job done quickly and safely. At Hoist and Plant Hire Co Ltd, based in Croydon, we’ve been supplying cherry pickers, builders’ hoists, and other lifting equipment for hire or sale since 1980. With over four decades of experience serving the London area, we’ve built a reputation for professionalism, outstanding service, and unbeatable value.
In this post, we’ll explore the many versatile uses of boom lifts, highlighting the features and advantages of the equipment we offer at Hoist and Plant Hire. Whether you’re looking to hire a cherry picker in London or should we say, hire a boom lift in Croydon, we’ve got you covered.
What Makes Boom Lifts So Versatile?
Boom lifts, or cherry pickers, are a type of elevated work platform designed to allow people to work safely at various heights. Unlike traditional scaffolding or ladders, these machines offer a wide range of motion, often including the ability to move vertically and horizontally, as well as rotate. This makes them incredibly versatile, with uses across many industries.
Some key reasons why boom lifts are essential equipment include:
- Extended Reach and Height
One of the most significant advantages of a boom lift is its ability to reach impressive heights while offering precise positioning. For example, our Nifty HR12 2×4 Boom Lift has a working height of 12.20m (40ft) and a working outreach of 6.10m (20ft). This kind of reach makes boom lifts ideal for jobs where accessing high or awkward areas is essential, such as cleaning windows on tall buildings, installing signs, or repairing rooftops. - Flexibility in Narrow Spaces
Boom lifts are designed to be compact yet incredibly efficient. The Nifty HR12, for instance, has a narrow chassis of just 1.50m, allowing it to easily navigate through tight spaces like narrow alleys or indoor environments. This is especially useful for tasks like warehouse maintenance or factory repairs, where manoeuvring in confined areas is a must. - Indoor and Outdoor Use
One of the standout features of the Nifty HR12 2×4 is its Bi-Energy option, which allows operators to switch between battery power and engine power. This versatility makes the boom lift suitable for both indoor and outdoor work. Whether you need to conduct repairs in an industrial plant or carry out outdoor landscaping projects, the Nifty HR12 offers a reliable solution. - Safety First
Boom lifts provide a much safer alternative to using ladders or scaffolding, particularly when working at considerable heights. Safety features on the Nifty HR12 2×4 include automatic failsafe brakes, tilt alarms, dual controls, and manual descent systems. These features ensure that operators can work with peace of mind, knowing the equipment is designed with their safety as a priority.
Popular Uses for Boom Lifts (Cherry Pickers)
Thanks to their versatility, boom lifts are used in a wide range of industries and applications. Here are just a few of the most popular uses for these adaptable machines:
- Construction and Maintenance Work
Boom lifts are a staple on construction sites, used for tasks such as installing windows, painting walls, or even positioning large signs. With the ability to manoeuvre in multiple directions and reach great heights, boom lifts like the Nifty HR12 are invaluable for jobs that require working at height in difficult-to-reach areas. - Tree Surgery and Landscaping
Tree surgeons often need to reach high branches to safely trim trees or remove deadwood. A boom lift offers the stability and flexibility required for such tasks, allowing tree surgeons to focus on their work without worrying about unstable ladders. Cherry pickers are also commonly used in large landscaping projects where workers need access to elevated areas. - Building and Roof Inspections
When it comes to inspecting the exterior of buildings or rooftops, a boom lift can be a game-changer. Instead of using scaffolding, which can be time-consuming to set up, a boom lift allows inspectors to quickly and safely check different areas of a building. The 360º slew capability of the Nifty HR12 ensures that operators can easily rotate and access hard-to-reach parts of a building without repositioning the equipment. - Film and Photography
In the film industry, cherry pickers are often used to achieve high-angle shots or film scenes from above. Their ability to move smoothly in multiple directions provides filmmakers with the flexibility they need to capture dynamic footage. - Cleaning and Facility Maintenance
Whether it’s cleaning windows, repairing exterior walls, or maintaining high-ceiling lighting fixtures, boom lifts are perfect for the job. With their superior reach and mobility, these machines make it easy to perform detailed maintenance work in commercial and industrial environments.
The Nifty HR12 2×4 Boom Lift: Features and Advantages
At Hoist and Plant Hire Co Ltd, we are proud to offer the Nifty HR12 2×4 self-propelled boom lift, which is one of the most versatile and reliable models available. Its key features include:
- Working Height: 12.20m (40ft)
- Platform Height: 10.20m (33ft 6in)
- Working Outreach: 6.10m (20ft)
- Slew: 360º
- Compact Size: Narrow chassis option (1.50m) for superior access in confined spaces
- Bi-Energy Power: Can run on both battery and engine, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Weight: Lightweight design (under 2.9 tonnes) reduces transportation costs
- Safety Features: Includes automatic failsafe brakes, tilt alarms, dual harness points, and manual descent with a hand pump for safety in emergency situations
These features make the Nifty HR12 ideal for a wide range of applications, from construction and maintenance to landscaping and industrial work.
Why Choose Hoist and Plant Hire Co Ltd?
As a family-run business that has been serving the London area since 1980, we understand the importance of reliability, efficiency, and safety on your construction projects. We have built a strong reputation for providing high-quality equipment and exceptional customer service, whether you’re looking to hire a boom lift in Croydon or hire a cherry picker in London.
- Decades of Expertise: With over 40 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of the lifting equipment industry and can provide expert advice on the best equipment for your needs.
- Top-Quality Equipment: Our boom lifts, cherry pickers, and other lifting equipment are meticulously maintained to ensure they meet the highest safety standards.
- Outstanding Service: Our team is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring that every hire or purchase is seamless from start to finish.
Contact Hoist and Plant Hire Co Ltd Today
If you’re looking to hire a cherry picker in London or boom lift hire in Croydon, contact Hoist and Plant Hire Co Ltd today. Our knowledgeable team can help you select the right equipment for your project, whether you’re working on a construction site, maintaining a facility, or tackling a landscaping project.
Give us a call now on 0845 880 0790 / 0208 667 0882 to discuss your requirements and learn more about how our boom lifts and cherry pickers can make your next project safer and more efficient.