What To Look For in a Used Cherry Picker

October 06, 2022 - Last modified: September 29, 2022 @ 4:08 pm

Cherry pickers originally got their name from their intended purpose of helping people pick fruits. However, they have since become invaluable machines in warehouses, on construction sites, and in other settings where workers must be able to safely reach elevated heights to perform specific tasks. Cherry pickers are also commonly referred to as order pickers or mobile elevating work platforms.

These vehicles consist of a work platform or bucket that is attached to the end of a hydraulic lift system. A telescopic arm is used to raise, lower and properly position the cherry picker platform or bucket. Though this useful equipment can be expensive, one way to save money on your purchase is to buy a used cherry picker.

How a Used Cherry Picker Can Benefit Your Business

There are many benefits cherry pickers can offer. They can lift a person high into the air, with guard rails all around to protect them. This can be much better than using a ladder, which is less stable and doesn’t allow for as much freedom of movement. A cherry picker also gives you the ability to use both of your hands freely instead of needing one hand to steady yourself on a ladder.

Cherry pickers are excellent for both warehouses and construction sites. They make it easier to get various jobs done quickly, efficiently, and with minimal risk of injury, as long as they are used properly by someone with the required training and credentials. Just make sure you or whoever plans to operate the cherry picker has the correct training and certification to meet OSHA requirements.

What To Consider When Buying a Used Cherry Picker

There may be some risk involved with buying equipment used because you don’t know the machine’s history or previous problems. At first glance, you can’t tell how frequently the previous owners serviced the machine or completed routine maintenance. Different cherry pickers also have different features and capabilities, so you don’t just want to rush out and buy the first used model you see.

To help you make a wise investment, here are a few things to look for when buying a used cherry picker for sale.

Minimal Exterior Damage

When looking at any cherry picker for sale, carefully inspect the entire exterior of the vehicle. Check for signs of damage, such as dents, dings, rust, paint cover-ups and other indications of wear or damage. It is pretty easy to miss signs of exterior damage if you’re in a poorly lit warehouse, so make sure you have adequate light to fully inspect the vehicle’s exterior. If you need to, request that the vehicle be taken outside so you can inspect it in full sunlight.

Whenever possible, request a maintenance history of the vehicle as well. This will help you determine whether the machine was well cared for or if it was routinely neglected. A machine that is not well-maintained is likely to have a shorter working life than a machine that is cared for properly.

No Signs of Corrosion or Leakage in the Engine

You never want to buy a used cherry picker that has obvious signs of internal engine damage. Replacing the engine can be very costly, so be sure to inspect it thoroughly. Look for signs of corrosion or leaks in and around the motor. If you see dark brown stains on or under the engine, these could be an indication of a leak.

Be sure to turn the vehicle on as well, and check for any warning lights. Even if the seller tries to tell you that a warning light has been on forever, but the vehicle continues operating just fine, be very wary. A warning light is an indication that there is something wrong inside the vehicle and it needs to be fixed.

Fully Functioning Boom Lift and Basket

You should never sign any purchasing paperwork on a used cherry picker without first operating the vehicle to make sure it works correctly. Check the boom lift and basket to ensure they are fully functioning and don’t show signs of problems. It’s best to have these parts of the cherry picker checked out by a professional to ensure they meet safety qualifications as mandated by the federal government.

If there are any signs of trouble, it may be best to move on. Leaking fittings and hydraulic hoses are a huge red flag, as is a failing control panel. When you buy a used cherry picker for sale, you need to make sure you’re purchasing a mechanically sound machine.

Clean Vehicle History

Another important box to check off when looking for a cherry picker is the vehicle’s history. Check the VIN number to see if the vehicle is associated with any previous incidents. If there are any irregularities on the history report associated with the vehicle, walk away from the deal.

Correct Height Capacity

Most warehouse cherry pickers require a cherry picker to be able to reach 30-40 feet in height. If you need a cherry picker that can reach higher than this, keep that in mind when you’re shopping. Make sure any used cherry picker you end up with is capable of meeting the height capacity you require.

Operating Capacity

Depending on your needs, you may require a cherry picker that can handle very heavy loads. Different cherry pickers come with different operating capacities, so check that any cherry picker you choose to buy matches or exceeds your lifting needs.

Find the Ideal Used Cherry Picker for Your Needs

Now that you know some of the main items to consider and look for in a used cherry picker, it’s time to go shopping! While you can peruse your local classifieds, this can be a high-risk place to purchase equipment. Instead, buy from a reputable company for greater peace of mind. Here at Forklift Inventory, we have a huge selection of order pickers and other new and used forklifts for sale. We encourage you to contact us and learn more about the services and products we offer.

Find Used Cherry Pickers for Sale Near You.

Sources:

• https://blog.horizonplatforms.co.uk/guide-to-choosing-your-cherry-picker/
• https://dailycarblog.com/2020/01/used-cherry-picker-what-to-look-for/
• https://www.warehousemachines.com/what-are-cherry-pickers/
• https://www.buyerzone.com/industrial/forklifts/ar-selecting-order-pickers/
• https://www.worldexecutivesdigest.com/5-excellent-uses-of-cherry-pickers-for-different-purposes/