Views: 14 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-08-02 Origin: Site
Selecting the perfect forklift holds great significance, especially when dealing with limited space constraints.
When you're in the market for a forklift, it's crucial to make the right choice. A forklift's mast plays a pivotal role as it lifts, lowers, and positions the load.
There are four common types of masts to consider: single stage, 2-stage, 3-stage and 4-stage
Each type offers unique advantages, and understanding their capabilities will help you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Forklift Mast Types
Understanding the essential specifications of a forklift mast will guide you in making the right choice for your needs.
Lift Height: (also known as maximum fork height or MFH) this specification indicates how high the forks will reach when the mast is fully extended.
To ensure maximum efficiency and safety, consider adding at least six inches to the height of your topmost racking shelf.
This will empower your operators to make load adjustments confidently when the mast is fully extended.
Free lift: it refers to the height a load can be lifted before the mast starts extending. If your lift truck operates in areas with restricted overhead clearance,
like double-stacking in a trailer, the ability to freelift becomes crucial. Here are the key points to remember:
A mast with no freelift will extend upwards as soon as the forks begin to lift.
On the other hand, a full freelift mast allows the forks to raise to the top of the mast's inner section before extending upward, providing more flexibility in tight spaces.
Lowered Height : this measurement indicates the distance from the floor to the top of the mast when it's lowered.
If your forklift needs to navigate beneath a garage or container door, the lowered height becomes an important consideration to avoid any clearance issues.
Extended Height: it refers to the overall height from the top of the mast (or load backrest) when the mast is fully extended. This specification is essential to ensure that the forklift meets your height requirements for specific tasks.
We understand that choosing the right mast is crucial, and our dedicated sales team is here to assist you.
Feel free to reach out to us by phone or email with any questions you may have. We're more than happy to help you find the perfect solution for your forklift needs!
Are you wondering which forklift mast type suits your needs best? Let's explore the options:
Single Stage - A single stage mast features just one channel, resulting in a limited lifting height. With zero freelift, this type works great for outdoor applications or environments where overhead clearance is not a concern.
2-Stage - Also known as a duplex, a two-stage mast has two sections. The outer stage remains stationary and allows for freelift. The inner mast section elevates the carriage and forks.
Offering excellent visibility, a two-stage mast is ideal for efficiently moving loads in trailers.
3-Stage - The three-stage mast, also called a triplex, is the most versatile and widely popular forklift mast. It comes with outer rails that provide freelift,
while the two inner sections enable lifting to greater heights compared to a two-stage mast. A fantastic choice for general warehouse applications.
4-Stage - The quad, or four-stage mast, is designed specifically for extremely high stacking requirements. Quad masts offer the advantage of a shorter
lowered height when compared to a three-stage mast with equivalent maximum fork height (MFH).
By taking these factors into account, you can confidently select the ideal forklift mast that suits your operational needs. As always, we're here to assist you with any questions or guidance you may need.
Don't hesitate to reach out; we're dedicated to providing the best solutions for your forklift requirements!
