Is Hiring or Buying a Tracked Cherry Picker the Right Solution?

Tracked cherry pickers are often used for a wide range of work at height, from construction and maintenance to tree care and specialist access projects. Many people who need access equipment for a project feel unsure whether hiring or buying is the right solution. Hiring offers greater flexibility and lower upfront costs, while purchasing can make sense for businesses that need regular access to high-quality equipment.

Choosing between the two can be difficult, especially with different factors to consider. Here at Tracked Access we offer a wide range of tracked cherry pickers for both hire and purchase, giving customers the flexibility to choose the option that suits a specific project. We look at the differences between hiring and buying to help make an informed decision.

Is Hiring or Buying the Right Solution?

Both hiring and buying a tracked cherry picker can be suitable options, depending on how often the equipment is required, the budget and the type of work being carried. Often, not one option will suit every business or project. Considering different key factors can help take the right approach and avoid paying for equipment you don’t need long-term or hiring when buying is more practical.

How Often the Equipment is Needed

One of the first things to consider is how frequently you will use a tracked cherry picker. If you only need access equipment for a particular project or a few times a year, hiring can be a better option. Pay for the equipment when you need it, without committing to owning a machine that may sit idle much of the time. 

However, businesses that regularly need a tracked cherry picker may find buying more suitable. Having your own machinery means it’s available whenever you need it, without having to arrange a new hire each time. Consider the expected usage over the coming months and years rather than focusing only on an immediate project.

The Budget and Upfront Costs

The available budget influences whether hiring or buying is a better option. Hiring tends to have a lower initial cost, as you pay for access to the machine for an agreed period rather than purchasing the equipment outright. This can help manage costs for a specific project.

Buying a tracked cherry picker requires a larger upfront cost, but the equipment becomes a business asset. For companies that use their machine regularly, purchasing may provide better long-term value. It is worth considering both the initial purchase price and the expected cost of using the machine over its lifetime.

The Length of a Project

The duration of the work is another crucial consideration. For short-term projects, hiring a tracked cherry picker can provide the equipment without leaving you with machinery once the work has finished. This can be especially useful when access requirements vary from one project to another.

For longer-term or ongoing work, purchasing may be worth considering. If you need a machine consistently over an extended period, repeated hire costs can add up. Looking at how long you expect to need the equipment can therefore help provide a comparison of the overall costs of each option.

Storage, Maintenance and Ownership

Buying a tracked cherry picker means taking responsibility for the equipment when it is not being used. You will need a suitable place to store the machine, and should also consider servicing, inspections, maintenance, and other ongoing ownership requirements.

With a hired machine, these responsibilities are usually reduced because you return the equipment once the hire period ends. This can make hiring attractive for businesses without storage facilities or that don’t want to take on the additional responsibilities of owning access equipment. Consider the practical side of ownership alongside the purchase price.

Flexibility and Access Requirements

Think about whether you need one particular type of tracked cherry picker or whether access requirements change between projects. Hiring offers more flexibility, allowing you to choose equipment suited to each job’s specific requirements. This can be useful when working across different sites or carrying out varied types of work.

Buying can be more convenient if you regularly use a particular machine. Having the equipment available on your premises means you can use it when required without arranging another hire. However, your machine may not suit every future project, so consider how varied your access requirements are likely to be.

The final choice between hiring and buying a tracked cherry picker ultimately depends on your individual circumstances. A business completing an occasional short-term project may have different requirements from a company that uses access equipment every week. Before deciding, consider how often you will use the machine, how long you need it, budget, storage arrangements, and whether your access requirements are likely to change. Comparing the overall costs and practical considerations can help determine which option makes the most sense for your business and its needs.

Cherry Pickers for Hire and Purchase at Tracked Access

At Tracked Access, we provide a wide range of tracked cherry pickers available for both hire and purchase. Whether you need equipment for a specific project or are looking to invest in a machine for ongoing use, our range gives you the flexibility to find an option suited to project requirements. We have a wide selection of models offering working heights from 10m to 30m, from leading brands including JLG, Hinowa, Teupen, CTE, Easy Lift and many more. If you need support choosing the right machine or have any questions about our range, please get in touch. We are always happy to discuss your requirements and help explore different options.