Window Cleaning Ladder v Water Fed Pole v Cherry Picker

A great question, window cleaning Ladder v water fed pole v cherry picker. When it comes to cleaning windows, the method you choose can make a big difference in terms of efficiency, safety, and overall quality of the job. Three of the most popular methods—using a ladder, a water-fed pole, or a cherry picker—each have their unique advantages and challenges. Let’s break them down:

1. Ladder Method

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Ladders are generally inexpensive compared to water-fed poles or cherry pickers. If you’re a small business or DIYer, this method is easy on the wallet. An 11ft x 11ft double extension ladder will cost only £179.
• Quick Setup: Ladders are fast to deploy, and you don’t need any specialised equipment or training to get started.
• Manoeuvrability: A ladder lets you get up close to the windows, making it easier to clean edges and tight spots that might be harder to reach with other tools.

Cons:

• Safety Risks: The biggest concern with ladders is the risk of falling. Even experienced window cleaners can lose their balance, and a fall from a ladder can lead to serious injury. Many home owners have fallen and fractured bones or worse.
• Limited Reach: Ladders are only practical for single- or two-story buildings. For higher windows, you’ll need a larger ladder or a different method entirely.
• Inconvenience: Moving a ladder around a property can be time-consuming, especially for large homes or commercial buildings with numerous windows. Less than 5% of all window cleaners still use ladders.

Conclusion: Ladders are a good choice for smaller jobs, especially on lower windows, but they come with safety concerns and aren’t practical for taller buildings.

2. Water-fed Pole Method

Pros:

• Safety First: Since water-fed poles allow window cleaners to stay on the ground, the risk of falls is eliminated. This makes them a safer option, especially for higher windows.
• Efficiency: Water-fed poles can reach up to several stories high without the need for ladders or scaffolding. They can also clean more windows in less time due to their extendable reach. For 97% of all UK houses which are three storeys or less, a 27ft water fed pole works best.
• Environmentally Friendly: The water-fed pole system uses purified water, which means there’s no need for harsh chemicals or detergents. It’s great for eco-conscious individuals or businesses.
• Quality Clean: A water-fed pole provides a streak-free clean with purified water and soft brushes.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: It can take some time to get used to balance the pole, especially for delicate work like cleaning corners or very high windows.
• Water Supply Limitations: You’ll need access to a water supply, and the system can be bulky to transport if you’re not already set up for it.
• Cost of Equipment: Water-fed pole systems can be expensive to purchase, particularly for businesses that require long poles or advanced filtration systems. A water purification system installed in a van costs between £2100 and £15,000. Most residential window cleaners use a 700 ltr van mounted system which costs £7,000.

Conclusion: Water-fed poles strike a great balance between safety and efficiency, especially for taller buildings, but they do require an initial investment and some training to get the best results.

3. Cherry Picker (Aerial Lift) Method

Pros:

• Maximum Reach: Cherry pickers can reach windows up 100 metres, making them ideal for multi-story buildings and hard-to-reach areas. Most home owners would only need an MZ250 manufactured by multitel which has an impressive 25 m height and a 14m outreach.
• Stability and Safety: These machines are far more stable than ladders, providing a safer working environment, especially when cleaning very high windows.
• Precision: With a cherry picker, you can easily control your height and positioning, allowing for precise cleaning and close access to windows, even in tricky spots.

Cons:

• Costly to Rent or Own: Cherry pickers are the most expensive option, and renting them can be costly. The maintenance and operational costs add up quickly. A 25m MZ250 would cost £650 + Vat per day to hire. New retail price is £93,500.
• Access Issues: In some cases, getting a cherry picker into position can be difficult, especially in crowded urban areas or places with limited space.
• Time-Consuming Setup: Cherry pickers require more time to set up and move around. This is a consideration if you’re working on a property with lots of windows or a tight schedule.

Conclusion: Cherry pickers are ideal for very high or hard-to-reach windows, but their high cost and setup time make them better suited for large commercial projects rather than smaller jobs.

Which Method Is Right for You?

• For Low-Rise Homes or Small Jobs: A ladder can be sufficient, but only if you’re comfortable with the risks.
• For High-Rise Homes or Residential Jobs: A water-fed pole is likely your best bet—it’s efficient, safe, and can reach multiple stories with ease.
• For Large Commercial or Tall Buildings: A cherry picker will give you the reach and stability you need, but it’s costly and requires a little more planning.

We hopefully answered the question – Window Cleaning Ladder v Water Fed Pole v Cherry Picker

The best method depends on your job’s specifics—height, budget, and safety—helping you choose the smartest option for your window cleaning needs.

Most people employ an experienced window or exterior cleaning contractor like Darran Smith who has 40+ years experience.