A 25 metre spider lift that weighs around 2.6 tonnes, fits through a standard garden gate, and still gives over 10 metres of outreach sounds, on paper, like the dream machine.
Especially for anyone involved in roof repairs, chimney repairs, gutter cleaning, tree work or general high-access maintenance.
But after heading down to Elite Access in Milton Keynes to test the Palazzani TZX 250S, I came away with a slightly more complicated opinion.
It is a seriously impressive machine. But is it the right machine for the type of roofing and chimney work I do every day?
Not quite.
You can watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GuVQsumdje4
I’d recommend watching the video first, then coming back to this write-up for the full breakdown.
Testing the Palazzani TZX 250S at Elite Access
Elite Access had two machines side by side: the standard Palazzani TZX 250 and the Palazzani TZX 250S.
They share the same base machine and very similar core specifications, but there is one major difference: the basket position.
On the standard TZX 250, the basket sits underneath the boom. On the TZX 250S, the basket is mounted out in front of the boom. That might sound like a small detail, but when you are working at height near roofs, chimneys, buildings and awkward structures, that difference matters.
It gives you better usable positioning, especially when coming over the top of a roof or structure.
The Key Specs: 25m Height, 10.5m Outreach and Road Towable
The Palazzani TZX 250S has some very impressive figures:
- 25m working height
- Just over 10.5m outreach
- 250kg basket capacity
- Around 2.6 tonnes in weight
- Roughly 980mm wide
- Road towable behind a pickup
- Variable outrigger setup
- Tight setup footprint of around 2.8m
- Full setup footprint of around 3.5m
For a compact spider cherry picker, that is a very strong specification.
The fact it can fit through a standard garden gate but still provide that kind of working height makes it a very capable machine for tight access jobs. That is exactly why cherry picker access can be so useful for properties where scaffolding would be difficult, expensive or disruptive.
How the Boom System Works
The TZX 250S uses a two-stage boom system.
The first section is what I would describe as the tower boom. It is the main lower articulated boom, and it is also telescopic. As it lifts, it does not just go vertically upwards; it also moves you out away from the machine.
That means the higher you go, the further your working position naturally moves out.
In real terms, that first boom section can take you roughly 10 to 12 metres high, which is enough to get above a typical house ridge. From there, the upper telescopic boom provides the rest of the outreach.
On paper, this does give the machine up-and-over capability. You can lift above the work area, come over the top, and then drop back down towards the job.
But this is where the machine starts to feel very different from a spider lift with a fly jib.
Why a Fly Jib Matters for Roof and Chimney Work
For roofing and chimney repairs, fine positioning is everything.
When I am doing chimney maintenance and repair, chimney repointing, chimney flaunching, lead flashing repairs or roof leak repair, I do not just need to get near the job. I need to get into the exact right position safely and accurately.
With a fly jib, I can come over a roof ridge and drop the basket down into the work area with delicate, controlled movements.
With the Palazzani TZX 250S, you can still get there, but more of that movement has to happen through the whole boom system. Instead of making small adjustments at the end of the boom, you are balancing larger boom movements to get into position.
That is not necessarily a problem for every trade. But for detailed roof repairs and chimney work, it makes a big difference.
A Great Machine for Arborists and Tree Work
Where I think this machine really makes sense is tree surgery and arborist work.
For tree work, the 25m working height is a massive advantage. You can set the machine away from the drop zone and still get good access to the tree. That standoff distance can be a real benefit because you are not positioned directly underneath what you are cutting.
It is also lightweight, road towable, narrow enough for tight access, and gives a strong combination of height and outreach.
For arborists, estates, facilities maintenance and general working at height, this machine is a very strong option.
The Variable Outrigger Setup Is Excellent
One of the best features of the Palazzani TZX 250S is the variable outrigger setup.
You are not stuck with one fixed footprint. You can run the machine narrow when space is restricted, or fully spread when you need the full working envelope.
Even better, you can set one side wide and the other side narrow.
That means if you are working on a road, pavement, driveway or restricted access area, you may be able to keep one side tucked in while opening the other side out towards the work area.
For real-world high-access work, that is a big advantage. Whether it is roof repairs, gutter repairs, building maintenance or access between properties, being able to adapt the machine footprint to the site is extremely useful.
Basket Position: TZX 250 vs TZX 250S
The difference between the TZX 250 and the TZX 250S is all at the business end.
The standard TZX 250 has the basket mounted underneath the boom. The TZX 250S has the basket mounted out in front.
For me, the 250S is the better layout.
When you come over a roof, chimney or structure, having the basket out in front means there is less underneath you getting in the way. It gives you more usable positioning and makes the machine more practical around buildings.
It still does not replace a proper fly jib, but it is definitely an improvement over the standard arrangement.
You can see the difference clearly in the video here: https://youtu.be/GuVQsumdje4
Watch that section, then come back, because it is one of those things that makes far more sense when you see it moving.
Why It Is Not the Right Machine for My Roofing Work
For the work I do, this is not quite the right machine.
Most of my day-to-day work involves roofs, chimneys, gutters and awkward high-access repairs. That might include chimney repointing, chimney flaunching, leadwork, slipped tiles, roof leak repair, gutter cleaning, or even solar panel bird proofing.
For that type of detailed work, I need fine control at the end of the boom.
The Palazzani TZX 250S will get you to the general area, but it does not give the same delicate final positioning as a machine with a fly jib. And when you are trying to work close to fragile roof tiles, chimney stacks, flashings or gutters, that precision really matters.
It is a machine built more for access than fine positioning.
That is not a criticism. It is just the difference between a good machine and the right machine for a specific job.
Testing in the Wind
The day I tested the machine was windy, which limited how far I was prepared to take it.
I wanted to test it at full height and full outreach, but it would have been foolish to push it too far in those conditions. Working at height always requires judgement, and the safest decision is not always the most exciting one for the video.
Annoying? Yes.
Sensible? Also yes.
Because when you are 25 metres in the air, bravery and stupidity can start wearing very similar jackets.
Final Thoughts: Impressive, But Not One-Size-Fits-All
Overall, the Palazzani TZX 250S is a very well-designed machine.
The height is impressive. The outreach is useful. The variable outrigger setup is excellent. The road towable weight and sub-one-metre width make it incredibly versatile for access.
For arborists, estate work, facilities maintenance and general high-access jobs, it makes a lot of sense.
But for me, working mainly on roofs and chimneys, the lack of a fly jib is the deal breaker. For roof repairs, chimney repairs, chimney repointing, chimney flaunching and close-up leadwork, I need that extra precision at the end of the boom.
It is a brilliant bit of kit for the right person.
I am just not sure that person is me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a spider lift fit through a standard garden gate?
Yes, some compact spider lifts can fit through a standard garden gate. The Palazzani TZX 250S is around 980mm wide, which means it can access many tight residential spaces where larger access equipment would struggle. This is why cherry picker access can be useful for roof repairs, chimney work and high-access maintenance.
Is a spider cherry picker good for roof repairs?
A spider cherry picker can be excellent for roof repairs, but the boom design matters. For detailed roofing work, a machine with a fly jib often gives better fine control when working around ridges, tiles, flashings and chimneys.
Why is a fly jib useful for chimney repairs?
A fly jib gives more precise movement at the end of the boom. This helps when carrying out chimney repairs, chimney repointing, chimney flaunching and lead flashing repairs because you can position the basket accurately without constantly moving the whole boom.
Is the Palazzani TZX 250S good for tree surgeons?
Yes, this machine appears very well suited to arborists and tree surgeons. The 25m working height, 10m outreach, road towable weight and compact width make it a strong choice for tree work where height and safe standoff distance are more important than fine roof positioning.
Can cherry pickers be used for gutter cleaning?
Yes, cherry pickers are often useful for gutter cleaning and gutter repairs, especially on awkward, high or difficult-to-access properties. The right machine depends on the height, ground conditions, access route and how close the basket needs to get to the gutter line.
What causes roof leaks around chimneys?
Roof leaks around chimneys are commonly caused by failed flashing, cracked flaunching, poor chimney pointing, open chimney pots or damaged roof tiles around the stack. A proper inspection is important because water can track from one area to another, making the visible leak appear in a different place from the actual defect.
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