Telescopic Masts & Towers

What is a Telescoping Pneumatic Mast System?

A Pneumatic Telescopic Mast in the simplest terms is an integrated set of tubes typically of metal construction in which each section of tube starting from the base is a slightly smaller diameter tube than the tube below it and likewise slightly larger diameter tube than the one which extends immediately from it and above it. Of course, these tubes are integrated into a single telescopic functioning system with numerous additional specialized features on the sections themselves, collars or joining parts, seals and otherwise to all together create the telescoping abilities. To conclude the question at hand such Mast that are considered Pneumatic are those that accomplish their lift or retracting and erecting telescopic operation via air pressure. Pneumatic units are among the safest units thanks to basic physics of which air contained in the body when erected simply prevents the units from retracting too fast even if leaks occur in seals, valves or hoses as the air typically cannot escape through such leaks fast enough.

What is the difference between Locking and Non-Locking Pneumatic Mast?

A Locking pneumatic mast is one where each collar point (i.e. where tube sections join together) includes a locking mechanism which prevents the tube section from retracting even if air pressure is lost or lowered to a point that would normally retract the sections. Locking units can typically be spotted by noticing handles, cables, rings or similar built into each collar or joining section. On a non-locking pneumatic unit, the tube sections will retract even if only slightly when adequate air pressure is reduced. Benefits of the locking versus non-locking are that locking units are ideal for keeping exact erected height for long-term applications like weeks, months or years. Locking models also have another advantage or at least attribute which non-locking units lack in that locking types can be erected to various heights as needed. On the contrary non-locking units generally require being erected to a minimum length equal or greater than three-quarters their full extension to reliably hold their position for extended periods. This is the basics but of course there are other variables such as non-locking units which might have locking accessory add-ons or integrated sensors to detect pressure levels and pump systems which can maintain automatically that pressure level.

What is a Mechanical Telescopic Mast?

Mechanical Mast are the most popular alternative to pneumatic units especially in higher performance applications. The term mechanical is generally understood to indicate such types that utilize a mechanism that doesn't involve air pressure. Those forms vary but as example can be achieved with a cable or chain and pulley system on the simplest of models. However, in the case of more advanced units the lifting solution can include sophisticated parts like multiple gear, screw or spindle rods working together to perform the telescoping function and it should be noted combinations of the aforementioned methods and unmentioned (like Hydraulic) to achieve operation also exist. To energize the mechanism various manners including manual (manpower) operation such as with a winch and crank handle to more convenient methods like motor driven, etc. while even support of both in a single unit isn’t uncommon. Now of course you can realize not all Mechanical Mast are created equal and so let A2Z’s Experts help you selected the best unit for your system application.

How do you select which Mast System is best for your needs?

When selecting a mast system A2Z's Experts know there can be numerous models and many additional factors to consider so we our team is available to help you as needed to determine what mast units best fit your project. There are obvious attributes to identify such as your desired operating heights, aspects like needed payload capacity (i.e. how much weight your system must lift) and duration for which the unit will need to operate (i.e. time-frame it needs to stay extended). Thereafter comes many specific details A2Z can also help with such as what added mounting hardware might be required for your mounting style to what mechanisms and/or power factors will drive your unit and beyond. Other technical aspects A2Z help with can be features that are directly part of the core mast itself or otherwise be external accessories, be it common or custom like cabling and Nycoil (i.e. a spiral looking conduit seen around many mast) to name some major points. One other variable that can't be avoided and must be noted is price. Though some of A2Z most advanced telescopic tower solutions may be out of price range for most customers, A2Z's competitive cost on a huge selection of quality units in many levels help ensure a quality solution to each application is achievable. A2Z friendly staff can help you source the main pieces alone to more elaborate, custom or even complete systems as required. See A2Z Security Cameras Mobile Command Trailers, Surveillance Trailers, Mobile Vehicle Systems and Portable Wireless Systems for more examples of complete packages.

What applications can make use of Telescopic Masts and Towers?

Telescopic Mast or Towers can be utilized in almost endless scenarios to provide the elevated lift you need for your equipment or purpose. Examples begin with Fixed Site Permanent Mount yet rapidly extend to a world of possibilities with Temporary Mount Tripods or Portable Platforms. All Types of Land Vehicles including Cars, Pickup Trucks, Box Trucks, Command Trucks, SWAT Trucks, Jeeps, Hummers, SUVs, Vans, Buses, Tractors, Trailers, Excavators, Bulldozers, Space Rover, Hovercraft, ATVs, Four-wheelers and more can use masts to enhance their performance toward objectives. Marine vehicles are no different and applications can include boats, tankers, yachts, naval vessels, coast guard ships and beyond. Robotics is yet another area where unmanned ground vehicles or UGVs can benefit from being equipped with a telescoping mast. If you have a need in any application for a telescoping mast simply reach out to our experts to help narrow down the best choices.

Popular Uses and User Types:

Municipal, State and Federal Agencies
Military - Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines
Police and (LEA) Law Enforcement Agencies
First Responders, Fire Departments
Homeland Security & Border Patrol
Emergency Response & Disaster Relief
Video Surveillance and Security Cameras
Antennae, Wireless Radios, Cellular & Carrier Communications
Advertising Marketing Billboards
Public Address - Public Alert
Scene & Area Lighting
Sensory Detectors & Radars
Weather Equipment
Construction, Industrial and Utility Sites
Oil and Power Industries
Education and Scientific Research
Sporting Events
Robotics - ugv

Last Updated: January 20th, 2020