#LIFT TEK VERTICAL FORKLIFT MAST FULL#

With all of that said, what should you take into consideration when selecting a forklift mast type? Are there certain factors that should play heavily into your decision? Among the things to keep in mind include the following: As a result, these masts are only used in highly specialized warehousing applications. And, while this allows the mast to extend to greater heights, it also dramatically down rates the forklift, considerably lowering its maximum lift capacity. The lift heights achieved with four stage masts are accomplishing by utilizing three inner channels and an outer channel.

#LIFT TEK VERTICAL FORKLIFT MAST FULL#

While this setup provides reduced forward visibility, it also allows for greater lift heights and full free lift, making it a great option for a variety of applications including warehousing and logistics.įour Stage – widely referred to as a quad mast, four stage masts are highly specialized masts intended to reach extra high lift heights upwards of 275.6”. However, a key difference on three stage masts is that a central hydraulic ram is mostly responsible for lifting the forks and carriage, with additional side-mounted hydraulics to raise the middle section and lift chains. Here, an additional inner channel is added to the two channel setup of the previous two mast types (thus the three stage or triple mast designation). Three Stage – also known as a triplex mast, three stage masts are by far the most popular mast configuration, in large part due to their versatility and widespread availability. In terms of applications, these masts are most frequently found in cross-docking, manufacturing and inside trailers / box cars due to their improved visibility versus a three stage mast.

Given their construction and limited lift height (generally 157.7”), two stage masts allow a forklift to lift its full rated capacity up to its maximum lift height without further down rating. However, the main difference here is that full free lift is available with duplex masts, allowing the forks to raise without extending the mast above the height of the outer channel. Two Stage – also known as a duplex mast, two stage masts are similar in composition to a single stage mast in that they are composed of an inner and outer channel. As such, the single stage or simplex mast is most often seen in outdoor applications where overhead clearances are not a concern. Obviously, this presents some significant limitations in terms of lift height and requires a higher lowered height than other variations. Under this configuration, the height of the outer channel represents the maximum lift height for this mast type. In this setup, the forks are elevated in lockstep with the inner channel. Single Stage – also known as a simplex mast, single stage masts are composed of a stationary outer channel and sliding inner channel, with a fork and carriage, that’s attached to lift chains to facilitate vertical movement. The most common forklift mast types include the following: What mast you select ultimately depends on your application, what you need to lift and how high it needs to go. A number of mast variations exist, which, depending on your application, have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Also known as the upright, a forklift’s mast is traditionally located on the front of the unit and facilitates the vertical movement and sideways positioning of loads. Among the most important factors to consider prior to purchasing a forklift is the mast.

Lift tek vertical forklift mast