Scissor or mast type? How to choose a freight lift
Two main types: mast and scissor
Powerlift hydraulic freight lifts move loads from 100 kg to 60 tons between floors and are built to fit each building. There are two main types. In mast type hydraulic freight lifts (also known as L-type), the platform travels along steel masts driven by a hydraulic power unit, cylinder, chains and bearings. In scissor type freight lifts, a scissor mechanism beneath the platform does the lifting; when closed it takes up no space and only rises when needed.
A few questions narrow down the right type. The criteria below give a first indication; the final choice is made after an on-site survey and technical agreement.
1. How many floors, how much travel?
If goods have to reach more than one floor, the mast type comes first: travel is up to 18 meters, and the number of stops can be chosen freely within that range. Scissor types are considered for shorter lifting distances. The single scissor type covers low to medium strokes, and the tandem scissor type short strokes. Where a scissor solution needs a high stroke, the multi scissor type is used; its standard models lift up to 6.5 meters.
2. Platform size
For mast type lifts, the required platform size is the starting point. As the platform grows, a lift first planned as single mast may become double mast, four mast or a scissor type. On the scissor side, the single scissor type suits wide platforms and the tandem scissor type long platforms. The multi scissor type is for compact platforms; standard models range from 1.9 × 1.1 m to 2.2 × 2.0 m.
3. The load
- Single mast: up to 3 tons
- Double mast: up to 10 tons
- Four mast (tandem): up to 20 tons
- Above 20 tons: a scissor type is recommended; single scissor and tandem scissor types are built for heavy loads
- Multi scissor standard models: 1–5 tons
Capacity alone does not decide the type. The size of the load, its centre of gravity, how it is distributed on the platform and how it enters and leaves are all taken into account.
4. Pit and top floor headroom
Mast type lifts generally need no pit, no extra headroom on the top floor and no machine room, which makes them easy to fit into existing buildings. On the other hand, the mast occupies space along the entire travel. A scissor platform is usually installed in a pit and sits flush with the floor when closed, taking up no space while not in use. Scissor types aim for the highest stroke the platform width and pit depth allow; closed heights of the multi scissor standard models range from 660 mm to 1520 mm.
5. From how many sides will it be loaded?
On mast type lifts, the mechanism covers at least one side of the platform. Single mast lifts can be loaded from 3 sides, double mast and four mast lifts from 2 sides. Scissor types have no mast covering a side of the platform. If a forklift or pallet truck will be used, access directions and wheel loads are assessed together during project development.
Which type, in short?
- Several floors, up to 3 tons, loading from 3 sides: single mast hydraulic freight lift
- Several floors, up to 10 tons: double mast hydraulic freight lift
- Several floors, up to 20 tons: four mast (tandem) hydraulic freight lift
- Wide platform, heavy loads, low to medium stroke, car parks and vehicle lifts: single scissor hydraulic freight lift
- Compact platform, high stroke; pallet lifts and work platforms: multi scissor hydraulic freight lift
- Long platform, heavy loads, short stroke; truck, bus and train maintenance: tandem scissor hydraulic freight lift
Design your own freight lift
Choose the type and enter the dimensions in the freight lift configurator: the number of scissors or the mast layout, cylinders, power unit and pit depth are calculated instantly, with an approximate price and a 3D model. For projects beyond the configurator (very heavy loads, more than 4 landings, custom cabins), send us photos and dimensions of the site. All types are compared on the hydraulic freight lift page.
