Vertical mast lifts for aisles and indoor maintenance

A vertical mast lift puts a worker at height on a very small footprint, which is why mast machines are a familiar sight in warehouses, retail and plant rooms. Compare Platfon's three PM models and see how to choose between them.

Platfon PM-06 compact vertical mast lift for one person in narrow aisles

PM-06 Vertical Mast Lift

  • 6.8mMax. working height
  • 4.8mMax. platform height
  • 227kgLifting capacity
  • 980kgMachine weight
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Platfon PM-08 vertical mast lift with small platform for one-person indoor work

PM-08 Vertical Mast Lift

  • 8mMax. working height
  • 6mMax. platform height
  • 160kgLifting capacity
  • 1,060kgMachine weight
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Platfon PM-10J two-person vertical mast lift with 11.2 m working height

PM-10J Vertical Mast Lift

  • 11.2mMax. working height
  • 9.2mMax. platform height
  • 200kgLifting capacity
  • 2,950kgMachine weight
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Compare models

Technical comparison of the models on this page (manufacturer's data)
ModelMax. working height (m)Max. platform height (m)Lifting capacity (kg)Machine weight (kg)Max. persons
PM-06 Vertical Mast Lift6.84.82279801
PM-08 Vertical Mast Lift861601,0601
PM-10J Vertical Mast Lift11.29.22002,9502
6.8 to 11.2 m reachWorking height: PM-06 6.8 m (22.3 ft), PM-08 8.0 m (26.2 ft), PM-10J 11.2 m (36.7 ft).
Short, narrow baseThe PM-06 and PM-08 are 1.36 m (4.5 ft) long, and the PM-06 is 0.76 m (30 in) wide.
One or two personsThe PM-06 and PM-08 carry one person; the PM-10J is rated for two persons and 200 kg (441 lb).
Fault diagnosis on PM-10JThe largest model lists a fault diagnosis system to help technicians trace problems.

How mast lifts work

A mast lift raises its platform on a single vertical column made of nested sections that extend one inside another. Because the column takes up so little floor area, the base can be much shorter than a scissor chassis, and the platform can be brought tight against shelving, walls or machinery.

The result is a machine built to do one job very well: putting a worker at a precise point overhead in a confined space. Mast machines carry less than most scissor lifts and offer a smaller platform, so they are chosen for inspection, maintenance and light installation rather than for heavy materials.

Platfon builds three electric mast models. The PM-06 Vertical Mast Lift and PM-08 Vertical Mast Lift are compact one-person machines, while the PM-10J Vertical Mast Lift adds height and a second occupant.

Mast lift or mini scissor?

Both are compact, electric and mostly used indoors. A small scissor such as the AT5.5 Scissor Lift gives a rectangular deck and is lighter, at 400 kg (882 lb), but tops out at 5.4 m (17.7 ft) of working height. The PM-06 and PM-08 reach higher on a shorter base. Where the work position is tight against racking or a wall, the mast layout usually gets closer. Our mini scissor lifts page compares the two layouts by stowed size.

  • Measure aisle widths and the space needed to turn at aisle ends
  • Check total weight against mezzanine and suspended floor ratings
  • Count tools and parts in the rated load, not only the operator
  • Confirm whether the job needs one or two people at height
  • Look up for sprinklers, light fittings, ducts and racking beams

Frequently asked questions

What is a vertical mast lift?

A vertical mast lift is a compact powered work platform that raises a small platform on a vertical mast. It is designed for one or two people working on firm, level floors, typically in warehouses, shops, factories and plant rooms. Platfon's electric PM models reach working heights of 6.8 m (22.3 ft), 8.0 m (26.2 ft) and 11.2 m (36.7 ft).

Should I choose a mast lift or a scissor lift?

A scissor lift raises a larger deck on crossed arms and usually carries more; a mast lift raises a smaller platform on a single column with a shorter base. Mast machines excel in narrow aisles and close to walls or racking, while scissors suit two people with materials over a wider area. If you need to reach over an obstacle, look at an articulating boom instead.

How much can a vertical personnel lift carry?

The answer varies by model, and the operator always counts toward it. Platfon's PM-06 is rated at 227 kg (500 lb), the PM-08 at 160 kg (353 lb) and the two-person PM-10J at 200 kg (441 lb). An operator with work clothing and a tool belt can account for 100 kg (220 lb) or more, so weigh parts and equipment before lifting and never exceed the capacity plate.

Can a mast lift be used outdoors?

Compact mast machines are mainly designed for indoor work on smooth, level floors. Some models carry an outdoor rating, but many are indoor-only because their light weight and small base leave little margin against wind. Check the data plate and the operator's manual of the exact model. If no outdoor wind rating is stated, use the machine indoors only.

Is a mast lift suitable for warehouse aisles?

Yes, aisle work is one of the main uses. The 1.36 m (4.5 ft) base of the PM-06 and PM-08, and the 0.76 m (30 in) width of the PM-06, suit aisles between racking for lighting, sprinkler, signage and inspection tasks. Coordinate with warehouse traffic: close the aisle, keep forklifts out while the platform is raised and check the floor for slopes, drains and damage.

How much does a vertical lift weigh?

Compact one-person mast lifts typically weigh around a tonne. Platfon's PM-06 weighs 980 kg (2,161 lb) and the PM-08 1,060 kg (2,337 lb), while the larger, two-person PM-10J weighs 2,950 kg (6,504 lb). Weight matters for goods lifts, mezzanines, raised access floors and transport, so compare it with every rating on the route, not only the floor at the work area.

Do I need training to use a mast lift?

Yes. It is classed as a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), so operators need recognized training for that category plus familiarization on the specific model, and the employer decides who is authorized. Training covers pre-use checks, controls, floor hazards, load limits and emergency procedures. The machine's operator's manual and site rules always take precedence over general guidance like this.

Platfon PM series compact electric mast platform for indoor personnel access at height
PM series: 6.8 to 11.2 m (22.3 to 36.7 ft) working height.

Choosing and using a Platfon mast lift

PM-06: compact machine for everyday maintenance

The PM-06 reaches a 4.8 m (15.7 ft) platform height and 6.8 m (22.3 ft) of working height, carrying 227 kg (500 lb): room for one operator plus tools and small components. At 0.76 m (30 in) wide and 1.36 m (4.5 ft) long, it fits narrow doorways, store aisles and plant rooms.

It weighs 980 kg (2,161 lb). On the safety side, it lists emergency stop, emergency lowering, overload protection, tilt protection and a motion alarm.

PM-08: more height for lighter loads

The PM-08 shares the PM-06 base length but reaches a 6.0 m (19.7 ft) platform height and 8.0 m (26.2 ft) of working height. The trade-off is capacity: 160 kg (353 lb), which suits a single technician with a light tool kit rather than components or stock.

That makes it a good fit for high-level lighting, ceiling-mounted sensors, CCTV and fire detection work in halls with ceilings up to about 8 m (26 ft).

PM-10J: two people at 9.2 m

The PM-10J lifts two persons and 200 kg (441 lb) to a 9.2 m (30.2 ft) platform height, for 11.2 m (36.7 ft) of working height. It is a larger machine, 2.53 m (8.3 ft) long, 1.0 m (3.3 ft) wide and 1.99 m (6.5 ft) high when stowed, and weighs 2,950 kg (6,504 lb).

Its 0.87 x 0.62 m platform is compact for two people, so plan who goes up and what they carry. The listed fault diagnosis system helps maintenance staff trace problems, alongside emergency stop, emergency lowering, overload protection and a motion alarm.

Floors, aisles and traffic

Mast machines often work inside live operations. Before work starts, agree an exclusion zone with the warehouse or facility manager, remove trip hazards and check the travel route for floor drains, dock plates, joints and slopes.

Overhead, look for sprinkler heads, light fittings, ductwork and racking beams that the platform could contact as it rises. Raise slowly near obstructions and keep hands and tools inside the guardrails.

One occupant does not mean working alone

The PM-06 and PM-08 are rated for one occupant, but the operator should not be the only person on site. A trained colleague on the ground must be able to use the ground controls or emergency lowering if needed.

Our one-man lift guide compares single-person machines across scissor, mast and boom types, and the operating guide explains daily checks that apply to most compact platforms.

Power and charging

All three PM models are electric, so they work without exhaust fumes in occupied buildings. Follow the operator's manual for charging, use a ventilated charging area and keep the charger and cables in good condition.

For more on battery-powered machines indoors, see electric scissor lifts. If your job is too high for a mast machine, the aerial work platform overview shows every Platfon family. Every Platfon model is CE-certified, and the Documents page holds the certificates and catalogs.

Find the right mast lift

Share the work height, aisle width, floor rating and how many people need to be at height, and you will receive a PM model recommendation with a quote.