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Forklift Mast Height: Understanding the Three Key Measurements

Published time：

2026-06-09

Author：

Xin Hong Guang

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Xin Hong Guang

Abstract

Forklift mast height refers to the physical dimensions of the lifting assembly, measured in three distinct ways .The Three Mast Height MeasurementsMeasurement What It Means ExampleLowered Height Height from floor to top of mast when fully collapsed 108 inches (Hyster H100FT) Extended Height Height from floor to top of mast when fully raised 220 inches (Hyster H100FT) Maximum Fork Height Distance from floor to top of fork face at full extension 200-5000mm (varies)The difference between Extended Height and Maximum Fork Height depends on mast design and load backrest height .Mast Types and Height RangesTwo-stage mast (Duplex) : Two overlapping sections; standard for 2-5m lift heights .Three-stage mast (Triplex) : Three sections providing higher lift while maintaining low collapsed height; typical lift 4-7m .Four-stage mast (Quad) : Four sections; lowest collapsed height relative to max lift; common for container handling, reach up to 8m+ .Lift Height vs. Collapsed Height Trade-offHigher l

Forklift mast height refers to the physical dimensions of the lifting assembly, measured in three distinct ways .


The Three Mast Height Measurements

Measurement What It Means Example

Lowered Height Height from floor to top of mast when fully collapsed 108 inches (Hyster H100FT) 

Extended Height Height from floor to top of mast when fully raised 220 inches (Hyster H100FT) 

Maximum Fork Height Distance from floor to top of fork face at full extension 200-5000mm (varies)

The difference between Extended Height and Maximum Fork Height depends on mast design and load backrest height .


Mast Types and Height Ranges

Two-stage mast (Duplex) : Two overlapping sections; standard for 2-5m lift heights .


Three-stage mast (Triplex) : Three sections providing higher lift while maintaining low collapsed height; typical lift 4-7m .


Four-stage mast (Quad) : Four sections; lowest collapsed height relative to max lift; common for container handling, reach up to 8m+ .


Lift Height vs. Collapsed Height Trade-off

Higher lift height requires more mast sections, increasing collapsed height. Example: A 7,000mm lift height mast has 2,500mm collapsed height—too tall for standard 2,000mm doorways .


Free Lift (Critical for Low Clearance)

Free lift is the distance forks can rise without increasing mast height . Standard free lift: 105-150mm. Full free lift (for container work): 1,200-2,000mm .


The Bottom Line

Match lowered height to your doorways. Match maximum fork height to your racking (add 150-200mm clearance). Choose free lift based on trailer/container access needs .

Keywords：
forklift mast height
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