Low aisles, high racks: when do you need free lifting and a triplex mast?

In practice, things surprisingly often go wrong because of a single detail: the truck may be able to lift high enough, but it doesn’t fit under a clearance or doesn’t work well in a trailer, dock, or container. That’s why forklift rental It’s wise to consider not only capacity, but also free clearance, mast type, and overall height.

This article is about two things that are often confused: free lift is a property of the mast, a triplex mast is a mast type with three mast sections. Looking for an overview of all mast types, including duplex and a selection table? Then read triplex, duplex or freelift: how to choose the right mast.

What is free lift?

Free lift means that the forks can be raised without the outer mast extending fully right away. This is particularly useful in areas where you need to lift but have limited headroom above the truck.

• in containers;
• In trailers;
• at the low docks;
• in production areas with limited overhead space;
• under installations or structural parts.

What is a triplex mast?

A triplex mast consists of three mast sections and is often chosen when you want to combine a high lifting height with a relatively compact closed height. This makes triplex very interesting in warehouses with high racking, but also in locations where passages, doors, or transport heights are restrictive.

Those who work with high storage needs and limited space often benefit more from a smart mast configuration than from just extra tonnage.

At higher storage locations, mast selection becomes at least as important as lifting capacity.

Good visibility and the right configuration increase safety and productivity.

When do you really need free lift or triplex?

You need free lift when the space above the forklift is limited, and a triplex mast if you also have to stack high. This applies in these situations:

• You load or unload in container trailers;
• you drive under low clearances or rolling doors;
• you are storing at high altitude in racks;
• you work in locations with limited overhead space;
• You want one truck that remains deployable in multiple areas.

The common mistake: only looking at maximum lifting height

Many requests start with: “We are looking for a forklift that can lift 4 or 5 meters.” That's understandable, but not complete. Because the real question is also:

• What is the height of the lowest clearance?
• Does the truck need to pull a trailer or container?
• How heavy is the load at maximum height?
• Is attachment equipment being used?

These details are precisely what determine whether a truck is truly usable on site. For this, also look at the page about container forklift rental.

Electric, LPG, or diesel?

Free-lifting and duplex masts are found on various types of forklifts. In warehouses, electric is often the obvious choice, especially when emission-free and quiet operation is important. For mixed indoor and outdoor use, LPG may be logical. For heavier outdoor work or industrial applications, diesel might be the best choice again.

More product information from the manufacturer can also be found at Hyundai Material Handling Europe.

View the range by type: electric forklift rental (1.5 to 18 tonnes), Rent an LPG forklift (1.5 to 5 tonnes) and Rent diesel forklift (2.5 to 30 tonnes). State in your request which mast you need.

What you should let us know in advance

• heaviest load in kg;
• highest desired lifting point;
• low passage or roller shutter;
• Use in a container/trailer: yes or no;
• indoor, outdoor, or mixed use;
• possible supporting equipment.

Safe work begins with the correct configuration

According to the Arbortal Work equipment must be able to be used safely in the actual work situation. This also means a truck that is suitable for the space in which it needs to perform. Measuring beforehand is almost always cheaper than improvising afterward.