masts

monomast

A monomast is a single-column mast placed in the middle of the device. Since this design cannot achieve the same stability as duplex and triplex lifting frames, this variant only has comparatively low lifting heights (up to around two meters).

• Due to the relatively narrow mast, the user has a clear view of the loaded goods and his surroundings at all times, which facilitates safe working, especially in confined conditions.
• Since the mast is installed in the middle of the device, the operator has easy access to the loaded goods from different angles and can easily move around the device. This is particularly advantageous when the high lift truck is used as a mobile work table or for order picking work.
• The mast does not extend, which means that the maximum height of the device does not change during the lifting process - perfect for use with low ceiling heights.
• The monomast is much lighter than other types of high lift trucks and can therefore also be used on intermediate floors or similar due to its lower weight .

simplex or single mast

A reach truck with a simplex mast consists of a lifting frame with an external, fixed frame and lifting carriage. Such a mast profile is more stable than a single-column mast and is therefore usually used to achieve higher load capacities. Furthermore, the simplex mast can be reinforced in such a way that the entire reach truck can be craned, i.e. lifted with the appropriate lifting device. Just like the monomast, a pallet truck with a simplex mast does not change its height during operation. Single masts are generally used for lifting heights of up to 1.6 meters and are suitable for work in the warehouse, for loading and unloading trucks or for order picking.

duplex mast

A two-stage lifting mast with double hydraulics is called a duplex mast. It consists of a fixed mast and a second, extendable frame structure on which the lifting carriage with forks is located. This telescopic lifting mast can reach medium lifting heights, usually up to 3.5 meters. If the device also has a free lift, the lifting carriage is raised first, before the inner mast extends from a certain height and finally reaches the maximum lifting height.

triplex mast

The triplex mast, like the duplex mast, is a separate frame construction that is pushed into one another like a telescope, but is only found in electric high lift trucks . However, this lifting frame has a three-stage structure and can reach lifting heights of up to six meters. Triplex high lift trucks of this type always have a full free lift and can therefore also be used with low ceiling heights.

What else should I consider?

In addition to the different types of mast, in many cases one feature is crucial - the free lift function. This indicates the lifting height that a high lift truck can reach before its mast extends. This can be relevant if the device is to be used in different locations with different ceiling heights, for example not only in the warehouse, but also for loading/unloading trucks or when driving through archways.

This can cause problems if the pallet truck suddenly measures 20 cm more when loaded with goods. It is therefore a good idea to think in advance about whether a so-called transport free lift already meets the requirements or whether a pallet truck with a full free lift is required.

The transport free lift refers to a comparatively small free lift (usually 20 cm to 1 meter), which is nevertheless sufficient to move loaded goods. With the full free lift, the lifting carriage can be raised to the height of the outer frame construction before the inner mast(s) extend.

See also

• pallet truck dimensions
• high-bay warehouse