A forklift mast—also known as an upright—is the vertical assembly on the front of the truck that lifts, lowers, and tilts the load. It is the core mechanism that allows a forklift to stack pallets in high racking, load and unload trucks, and reach into deep storage locations.
Main Mast Types
There are four common types of forklift masts, classified by the number of stages (sets of nested rails):
Type Stages Free Lift Best For Key Limitation
Single-Stage (Simplex) 1 Very limited (4–6 inches) Outdoor applications where overhead clearance is not a concern Low lift height; mast must extend fully to raise forks
Two-Stage (Duplex) 2 Yes (50–60 inches) Indoor stacking/double-stacking with limited overhead clearance, such as inside trailers and boxcars Moderate lift height
Three-Stage (Triplex) 3 Yes (50–60 inches) Most common and versatile; general warehouse high-density stacking Reduced visibility compared to simplex
Four-Stage (Quad) 4 Yes (50–60 inches) Extreme high-stacking in specialized warehousing and distribution centers Highest reach; reduced visibility; requires caution at maximum height
Note: Lifting capacity decreases as the load is raised. For every mast type except simplex, "free lift" allows the forks to rise without the mast extending upward—essential for working inside trailers or low-clearance areas.
Key Mast Components
A forklift mast is a complex assembly made up of several key components working together:
Outer Rails (Fixed Mast): The outermost steel channels that form the structural backbone and remain stationary.
Inner Rails (Moving Sections): Nested inside the outer rails, these sections telescope upward when lifting.
Hydraulic Lift Cylinders: The main source of lifting force; they extend to push the inner rails upward.
Roller Chains and Pulleys: Connected to the carriage; as cylinders extend, chains pull the carriage and forks upward.
Carriage: The moving platform that holds the forks.
Tilt Cylinders: Control forward and backward tilt of the entire mast assembly.
How Much Does a Forklift Mast Cost?
Mast prices vary widely based on type, height, brand, and whether it's new or used:
Item Price (Approx.) Details
Basic replacement mast $503 TCM forklift upright mast from Chinese manufacturer
3.5m mast upgrade +$176 – $323 Extra cost over standard 3m mast on mini electric forklift
4.5m triplex mast upgrade +$662 – $1,029 Extra cost over standard 3m mast
Used mast (auction) £180 (~$230) Forklift mast sold at UK auction
Used forklift with mast $2,500 – $4,500 Caterpillar GC40K auction results
Complete forklift with triplex mast $7,448 2.5-ton diesel forklift from Chinese manufacturer
Reach stacker mast $11,000 Forward electric reach stacker mast
How Much Does a Forklift Mast Weigh?
Mast weight depends on size, capacity, and number of stages:
Mast / Forklift Weight Details
HELI 3.5T mast 190 – 200 kg (~420–440 lbs) Mast component only
Linde H60 mast 1,820 kg (~4,012 lbs) From 6,000 kg capacity diesel forklift
Clark EML 7000 T triplex mast 2,100 kg (~4,630 lbs) 7,500 mm lift height
Complete forklift (1.5t capacity) 2.7 tons (~5,950 lbs) FD 15 T diesel forklift with mast
Complete forklift (3.5t capacity) 3,550 – 4,750 kg Service weight range for triplex mast LPG forklifts
Key Selection Considerations
When choosing a mast for your forklift, consider:
Lowered Height: Each mast type has a different height when fully collapsed—critical for passing through doorways and loading docks.
Lift Height: Add at least 6 inches to your highest racking shelf to ensure adequate clearance.
Free Lift: Essential for working inside trailers, boxcars, or any low-clearance area.
Visibility: Newer mast designs with two side cylinders provide substantially better visibility than older designs with a single central cylinder.
In short, forklift masts range from basic single-stage simplex models for outdoor use to four-stage quad masts for extreme high-stacking in specialized warehouses. The three-stage triplex mast is the most common and versatile choice for general warehouse applications. Mast components alone can cost from $500** for basic replacements to over **$11,000 for specialized units, with weights ranging from ~200 kg for small masts to over 2,000 kg for heavy-duty models.