Table of Contents
What are Vertical Mast Lifts?
Simple mast lifts are types of cherry pickers that are ideal for planned maintenance work in places wherein a compact platform with a high reach is required. These lifts have a lighter weight as compared to scissor lifts. Because of this feature, mast lifts are more suitable for areas wherein there are floor loading restrictions, such as computer flooring.
Mast lifts are durable and stable. They also have a good ratio of working height to machine weight. There are powered by rechargeable battery packs and are driven with the platform either lowered or elevated.
Mast-type work platform designs include one-man baskets, platforms with extensions, rotating masts, and platforms on arms for work that involve over-and-under operations.
What are the Features of Vertical Mast Lifts?
Some models of these lifts have a rear mast pivot bar that allows the lift to be easily loaded into a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The mast provided is usually made out of aluminum, assuring comfort and security at any working height.
The base of the lifts can also be changed according to the surface where it will work on. Manufacturers give customers the option to avail either the standard base for everyday applications or the rough terrain base that is used on unfinished surfaces.
Equipped with user-friendly controls, workers would not have a hard time operating this vertical lift platform. The control features of the mast lift involve an indicator for low battery, an up/down switch, and a setup confirmation.
Accessories for vertical mast lifts include warning lights such as motion alarms or automotive-style horns, a work station tray, and a rear parcel tray for putting additional things such as tool boxes.
What are the Benefits of Vertical Mast Lifts?
These types of lifts are best suited for indoor use because of their compact size. They are also perfect for restricted or limited spaces and working areas.
In addition to these distinguishing features, vertical mast lifts also have non-marking tires which are made for use on finished floors.
Even though vertical mast lifts are best suited for indoor use, this does not restrict them from being used at outdoor areas. They also have a zero tail swing. This means that the rear of the machine is able to rotate at its base while staying within the size and area of its tracks.
Having a zero tail swing contributes to the easy maneuverability of the lift and increases worker productivity as well as safety from possible operating hazards.
What are the Possible Hazards of Using Vertical Mast Lifts?
These mast lifts have the ability to carry workers as well as large loads. This can lead to undesirable hazards, if operating instructions such as load distribution requirements are not followed.
Factors such as fall hazards, loading issues, faulty configuration, instability of the mast climber during dismantling, and equipment failure contribute to the possible hazards and therefore disadvantages of using vertical mast lifts. Fall hazards occur when there are unguarded ends or inadequate platform size or material.
Given these probable hazards, workers should be more aware of the safety measures to be done when operating vertical mast lifts.
Manufacturers of Vertical Mast Lifts
GenieLift
Runabout
| Model | GR-12 | GR-15 | GR-20 |
| Working Height (m) | 5.48 | 6.47 | 8.07 |
| Lift Capacity (kg) | 227 | 227 | 159 |
| Platform Height (m) | 3.48 | 4.47 | 6.07 |
Runabout Contractor
| Model | GRC-12 |
| Working Height (m) | 5.66 |
| Lift Capacity (kg) | 227 |
| Platform Height (m) | 3.66 |
JLG
Driveable Mast Lifts
| Model | 1230ES | 15MVL |
| Machine Weight (lbs) | 1740 | 2325 |
| Drive Speed – Platform Elevated (mph) | 0.50 | 0.60 |
| Drive Speed – Platform Lowered (mph) | 3 | 3.5 |
| Platform Height (ft) | 12 | 15 ft 4 in |
| Working Height (ft) | 18 | 21 ft 3 in |
| Platform Capacity (lbs) | 500 | 500 |
| Image |  |
 |
Sources:
http://www.youtube.com
https://www.jlg.com/en/equipment/vertical-lifts/driveable-mast-boom/mvl-series/20mvl
http://www.genielift.com/en/products/vertical-mast-lifts/runabout-contractor-grc-12/index.htm
http://www.genielift.com/en/products/vertical-mast-lifts/runabout/index.htm