Self-drive vs. operated cherry picker hire: Which one is right for you?

Need a van-mounted cherry picker but not sure whether to go for self-drive or operated hire? It’s a common question—and getting it wrong could mean extra costs, delays, or even safety risks.

Some jobs call for full control and flexibility, while others demand the expertise of a trained operator. The key is knowing what’s best for your project, your team, and your level of experience.

This guide will break down the differences between self-drive and operated cherry picker hire, helping you make the right call.

Jump to:

1. What is self-drive cherry picker hire?
2. What is operated cherry picker hire?
3. Important things to remember when choosing…

What is self-drive cherry picker hire?

Self-drive hire is exactly what it sounds like. You rent the van-mounted cherry picker, drive it yourself, and operate the lift on-site. Simple, right? Well, only if you’ve got the right experience and certification.

Is self-drive right for you?

Self-drive cherry picker hire works best if:

• You’ve got an IPAF PAL Card – Most cherry pickers require IPAF 1b or 3b certification to operate legally.
• You want flexibility – You control when and where the job gets done.
• You’re comfortable with safety checks – You’ll be responsible for inspecting, setting up, and operating the equipment.

If you tick all these boxes, self-drive is a great choice. But if you’re missing the right license or don’t want to deal with the setup, there’s a better option.

What is operated cherry picker hire?

Operated hire takes the pressure off. Instead of handling the equipment yourself, you hire a fully trained operator who knows the cherry picker inside and out.

Why choose operated hire?

If you’re not certified or just want the job done without the stress, operated hire is the way to go. Here’s why:

• No licence needed – Our trained operators handle everything, so you don’t need an IPAF certification.
• Safer and more efficient – Experienced operators know how to set up quickly and work safely, cutting out delays.
• Perfect for busy locations – Working on a high-traffic site? We handle traffic management, too.

With operated hire, you don’t just get the equipment – you get the full end-to-end service, including expert operators, compliance support, and customer service.

Important things to remember when choosing your hire option

Still not sure which option is best for you? Here’s what to think about:

• Are you certified? If not, self-drive isn’t an option – operated hire is the safer bet.
• How complex is the job? If you’re working on a straightforward site, self-drive works. If it’s a high-risk or high-traffic area, operated hire gives you more security.
• Do you have the time and manpower? Self-drive means you handle everything – setup, operation, and safety checks. Operated hire takes the pressure off, letting you focus on the task at hand.

At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that gets your job done safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary stress.

Hire your cherry picker from 2 Rent

No matter which hire option you choose, 2 Rent has you covered. We don’t just rent out cherry pickers – we provide a full end-to-end service, making sure you have everything you need to get the job done safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.