When you need maintenance, repairs, or inspections carried out at height on a building, the three most common access methods are scaffolding, cherry pickers, and rope access. While we have covered the rope access vs scaffolding comparison in detail elsewhere, this guide focuses on the comparison between rope access and cherry pickers, also known as mobile elevated work platforms or MEWPs. Both are quicker and cheaper than scaffolding for most tasks, but they differ significantly in capability, cost, and suitability for different situations.
Understanding the Two Methods
A cherry picker is a mechanical platform mounted on a hydraulic arm, which can be raised and extended to position workers at height. The platform provides a stable working position with guardrails, and workers stand on the platform to carry out their tasks. Cherry pickers come in various sizes, from small trailer-mounted units with a reach of 12 metres to large truck-mounted units that can reach 70 metres or more.
Rope access uses IRATA-certified technicians who descend the building face on twin-rope systems, carrying out work as they go. The technicians are trained to Level 1, 2, or 3 depending on experience and qualifications, and always work in teams of at least two. Rope access can reach virtually any point on a structure, regardless of height, and requires no ground-level equipment other than the anchor points at the top of the building.
Cost Comparison
For a typical building maintenance task on a mid-rise building, the costs of the two methods are broadly comparable for short-duration work, but rope access becomes increasingly cost-effective as the building height increases or the access requirements become more complex. A small cherry picker suitable for buildings up to about 15 metres can be hired for around £200 to £400 per day, plus the cost of an operator and any additional labour. A larger truck-mounted cherry picker capable of reaching 30 metres or more costs £500 to £1,500 per day for hire alone.
A rope access team of two IRATA-certified technicians typically costs £800 to £1,500 per day, with all equipment included. This means that for simple, short-duration tasks on buildings under 15 metres, a small cherry picker may be slightly cheaper. However, once you factor in the hire of larger machines, operator costs, traffic management, and the limitations described below, rope access is often the more economical choice for buildings over three or four storeys.
The cost advantage of rope access is most pronounced on tall buildings where large cherry pickers are needed. A 50-metre truck-mounted cherry picker costs upwards of £1,000 per day to hire, requires a specialist operator, and may need expensive traffic management if it must operate from a public road. A rope access team can access the same height at the standard day rate with no additional equipment costs.
Access and Reach
This is where the differences between the two methods become most significant. A cherry picker can only access areas that it can physically reach from its operating position. It needs firm, level ground to set up on, and its reach is limited by the length of its hydraulic arm. This means it cannot access areas that are not directly above or near the ground-level setup position. Buildings with overhangs, setbacks, or recessed areas may have sections that a cherry picker simply cannot reach.
Rope access has virtually no limitations on reach. Technicians can access any point on a building facade by descending from anchor points on the roof. They can traverse horizontally along the building face, access recessed areas, work underneath overhangs, and reach areas that are completely inaccessible to mechanical platforms. For buildings with complex facades, multiple setbacks, or areas that are not accessible from ground level, rope access is often the only viable option besides scaffolding.
Setup Time and Logistics
A small trailer-mounted cherry picker can be set up and ready to work within 30 minutes to an hour. Larger truck-mounted units require more time for positioning, stabiliser deployment, and safety checks, typically one to two hours. Both types require a delivery vehicle to transport the equipment to site, and larger units may need road closures or traffic management arrangements that add planning time and cost.
Rope access setup is typically one to three hours, including rigging anchor points, deploying ropes, and carrying out safety checks. No delivery vehicles or ground-level equipment are needed, which means no parking issues, no traffic management, and no ground-level obstruction. The rope access team arrives in a van with their personal equipment and can begin work as soon as rigging is complete.
Safety Considerations
Both methods are safe when operated by competent, qualified professionals. Cherry pickers must be operated by trained operators holding appropriate IPAF certification, and regular inspections and maintenance of the machine are essential. The main safety risks with cherry pickers include overturning, collision with structures or overhead obstructions, falling from the platform, and electrocution from contact with power lines.
Rope access safety is managed through the IRATA system, which has an outstanding safety record with over 100 million hours logged worldwide and a lost-time accident rate below 1 per 100,000 hours. The twin-rope system provides full redundancy, and all technicians are trained in rescue procedures. The main risks in rope access, including anchor point failure, rope damage, and technician incapacitation, are all addressed through the IRATA training and operational procedures.
Ground Conditions and Space Requirements
Cherry pickers have specific ground condition requirements that can be a significant limitation. The machine must be set up on firm, level ground capable of supporting its weight, which can be several tonnes for larger units. Soft ground, slopes, uneven surfaces, and areas with underground voids or services may be unsuitable. The machine also requires a clear operating area free from obstructions, overhead cables, and structures that could interfere with the boom.
Many commercial and residential buildings have limited ground access that makes cherry picker operation difficult or impossible. Buildings surrounded by landscaping, fencing, adjacent structures, or narrow pavements may not have suitable setup positions. Buildings on busy roads may require expensive traffic management and road closure arrangements.
Rope access requires no ground-level setup at all. The only requirement is suitable anchor points on the roof or at the top of the building, which can be permanent installed anchors, temporary anchor devices, or existing structural features assessed as suitable by the rope access team. This makes rope access viable on buildings where cherry picker access is physically impossible.
When a Cherry Picker Is the Better Choice
Cherry pickers are the better choice in certain situations. For work on buildings under 15 metres where there is good ground access, a small cherry picker can be quick and cost-effective. For tasks that require a stable platform for heavy tools or equipment, such as mechanical installations, the platform of a cherry picker is more practical than working from a rope. For tasks requiring frequent movement of heavy materials between ground level and the work position, a cherry picker provides a more efficient transport solution. And for workers who are not rope access trained, a cherry picker provides a safe working platform without the need for specialist climbing skills.
When Rope Access Is the Better Choice
Rope access is the better choice for the majority of building maintenance tasks on buildings over three to four storeys. It is significantly cheaper for tall buildings, has no ground access requirements, can reach areas inaccessible to cherry pickers, and causes minimal disruption. It is particularly advantageous for inspections and surveys where the technician needs to examine the entire facade, for buildings with restricted ground access, for work in busy urban environments where ground-level equipment would cause obstruction, and for emergency repairs where rapid deployment is needed.
Making the Right Decision
The choice between rope access and a cherry picker depends on the specific circumstances of your project. Consider the building height, ground conditions, access requirements, the nature of the work, and the duration of the project. For most commercial building maintenance on mid-rise and high-rise buildings, rope access will be the more practical, cost-effective, and less disruptive option. For low-rise buildings with good ground access and tasks requiring a stable platform, a cherry picker may be more appropriate. Contact us through our quote form for advice on the best access method for your specific project.