In the aerial work platform industry, you'll often encounter terms like "boom," "scissor," and "cherry picker." These terms are widely used, but their exact meaning sometimes remains unclear.
In this article, we clarify what lies behind the English names: What defines a "cherry picker" and how do "boom lifts" differ from "scissor lifts"?
English terms related to work platforms
General term: Working Platform
"Working platform" is the generic term for all types of aerial work platforms . The term describes machines that enable work at heights – safely, efficiently, and stably. It encompasses all the types mentioned here, from cherry pickers to scissor lifts.
Overview: German and English terms in comparison
| German term | English term | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck-mounted work platform | Cherry Picker | Flexible, long range, mobile | Complex transport, instruction required |
| Telescopic platform | Boom Lift | Long range, over obstacles | Lateral space requirement, susceptible to wind |
| Scissor lift | Scissor Lift | Large platform, high load capacity | Vertical movement only, limited height |
| Vertical mast platform | Mast Lift | Compact, ideal for indoor use | Shorter range |
| Telehandler | Telescopic Handler | Multifunctional, large load capacity | Need for experience and attachments |
| Articulated telescopic platform | Articulating Boom Lift | Extremely flexible, ideal for obstacles | More complex operation, higher price |
Cherry Picker
Originally developed for cherry picking, "cherry picker" today refers to work platforms with extendable arms – usually truck-mounted. Ideal for changing locations, such as on power poles, facades, or for tree care.
Boom Lifts
Boom lifts are telescopic work platforms with long reach – both vertically and horizontally. They are used for work on industrial facilities, roofs, or high-voltage lines.
Scissor lifts
Scissor lifts are suitable for vertical applications with plenty of platform space. They are stable, load-bearing, and ideal for indoor work such as lighting or ceiling installation.
Mast Lifts
Mast lifts (elevating mast platforms) stand out with their compact design and are ideal for tight spaces. They're particularly popular in shopping centers or for indoor maintenance work.
Telescopic Handler
These multitalented telehandlers combine forklift and lifting functions. Thanks to their extendable boom and attachments, they are suitable for a wide range of tasks on construction sites or in logistics.
Articulating Boom Lifts
Articulated boom lifts allow work over, under, and around obstacles thanks to their multi-movement arms – ideal for complex maintenance or tree care applications.
Conclusion
Anyone who understands English technical terms relating to work platforms can plan more reliably and communicate better – whether when renting, selling or in daily use.
Knowing the differences between boom, cherry picker, scissor or telescopic handler not only helps in choosing the right platform, but also saves time, money and unnecessary misunderstandings.
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