Cherry Picker Major Inspection
"Cherry picker" is a broad term operators use for almost any boom-type elevating work platform, from a truck-mounted unit to a self-propelled knuckle boom. Whatever you call yours, once it reaches ten years of age it is due for a major inspection — a full strip-down and structural assessment that goes far deeper than a routine service. This page is where you book it, and where we make sense of which machine you actually have before we start.
Because the term covers so many different designs, the first job is identifying the boom configuration, the mounting arrangement and the load path so the inspection targets the right components. From there we coordinate the dismantling, non-destructive testing and recertification needed to return an ageing cherry picker to a compliant, working condition rather than seeing it retired on age alone.
Built For
- Owners of ageing cherry pickers unsure which major inspection applies
- Trades and facilities crews running a single boom-type platform
- Hire fleets keeping older cherry pickers earning
- Council, utility and telco asset managers
- Buyers weighing a major inspection against replacement
Equipment & Coverage
- Truck-mounted cherry pickers
- Van-mounted and trailer cherry pickers
- Self-propelled knuckle and telescopic booms
- Spider and tracked cherry pickers
- Insulated cherry pickers used near live apparatus
The Process
Identify the machine
Because "cherry picker" covers many designs, we first confirm the exact boom type and mounting so the major inspection is scoped to the components that actually carry the load.
Strip-down
Covers, pins and wear components are removed so the boom, turret and platform mounting can be examined for fatigue, corrosion and wear a service would never reach.
NDT & function testing
Non-destructive testing is applied to safety-critical welds and pins, and every powered and emergency function is proven before anything is reassembled.
Recertify
Worn parts are repaired or replaced, the unit is reassembled, load and stability tested, and recertified with full documentation for your records.
Compliance & Standards
Whatever style of cherry picker you operate, if it is an elevated work platform designed to AS/NZS 1418.10 it is maintained and inspected under AS 2550.10, and the ten-year major inspection is the recognised deep assessment for ageing plant in Australia. Some owners search for a "5-year" check as a mid-life review — that is a sensible owner-driven inspection, but the mandated major inspection is at ten years, and we will always be clear about which one your machine is actually due for.
Why EWP Australia
- We identify exactly which major inspection applies to your "cherry picker"
- Strip-down, NDT and recertification handled end to end
- Ageing boom platforms returned to a certified condition, not retired early
- Downtime planned around your operations rather than a lapsed due date
- Documentation that stands up to audit for any make or model
Common Questions
My machine is just called a 'cherry picker' — which major inspection do I need?
That is exactly why this page exists. Cherry picker is a generic term, so we start by confirming whether yours is a truck-mounted, self-propelled boom, spider or insulated unit. The ten-year major inspection principles are the same, but the components we strip and test differ by design, so identifying the machine first means the inspection is scoped correctly.
Is a cherry picker major inspection different to a boom lift one?
A cherry picker often is a boom lift — the terms overlap heavily. The difference is in the specific mounting and boom configuration of your unit, which is why we identify the machine before scoping. Truck-mounted units add a chassis and stabiliser assessment that a self-propelled boom would not have.
What triggers the major inspection?
Age. A cherry picker is due for its major inspection once it reaches ten years, with further major inspections periodically after that under AS 2550.10. It is time-based, so it applies regardless of how many hours the unit has done.
Should I just replace an old cherry picker instead?
The strip-down gives you an honest picture. Many ageing units are structurally sound and return to a certified condition for far less than a replacement, while others reveal fatigue or corrosion that makes retirement the sensible call. You get the evidence to decide either way.
Can you handle any make or model?
Yes. The inspection is independent and covers all makes and models of boom-type platform, whether you own the machine, hire it long term or manage it for another party.
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