Fraco Mast Climbers Scaffolding Dealers & Suppliers

About Fraco

Overview: Fraco Products Ltd. is a Canadian manufacturer and supplier of mast climbing access systems, including mast climbing work platforms, transport platforms, construction hoists, and permanent elevators. Founded in 1991 and based in Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Fraco serves customers across North America, Europe, and other international markets, and also rents equipment through its U.S. branches.

Fraco's story began with Armand Rainville, a mason who rented mast climbers for one of his brick jobs and saw how much they could help his trade. He founded Fraco to bring mast climbers to masons and bricklayers everywhere, and the company is still family-led today. Fraco describes itself as a supplier rather than a contractor, with a mission centered on helping masons, and models such as the FRSM-20K and ACT-8 were designed with masonry crews in mind.

Fraco manufactures its equipment in Quebec and has expanded internationally, including acquiring Spanish manufacturer Torgar and its Zaragoza factory in 2019 to grow its presence in Europe. Its equipment has been used on high-profile projects, from the Pentagon to transport platforms for the new shelter at Chernobyl and permanent elevators in the piers of the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement. Through Scaffold Exchange, you can find Fraco mast climbers and the providers who sell, rent, and install them.

Fraco Product Lines

Fraco manufactures four main lines of mast-based access equipment, plus support services.

Work Platforms

Mast Climbing Work Platforms

Single and twin-mast work platforms, including the ACT-8 and FRSM-20K, for masonry, facade, and restoration work.

Transport

Transport Platforms

Mast-guided platforms that carry workers and materials between levels on construction and industrial sites.

Hoists

Construction Hoists

Rack and pinion construction elevators for moving personnel and materials on high-rise and large projects.

Elevators

Permanent & Industrial Elevators

Rack and pinion elevators for permanent installation in structures such as towers, bridges, dams, and plants.

Services

Rental, Installation & Special Projects

Equipment rental through U.S. branches, installation by Fraco technicians, and engineered access for special projects.

Where Fraco Equipment Is Used

Fraco mast climbers and hoists support work across construction, infrastructure, and industry, including the following.

Brick, block, and stone masonry

High-rise facade construction

Historic facade restoration

Bridge piers and highway structures

Dams and power generation facilities

Demolition and deconstruction

Industrial plants and silos

Curtain wall and panel installation

How Fraco Compares to Other Manufacturers

Fraco is one of several manufacturers of mast climbing and vertical access equipment. Here is how it compares.

Dunlop Mastclimbers - US Mfr.

U.S. mast climber specialist

Design, manufacture, and rental since 1984
Curved and custom configurations
Installer training and certification
Best for complex and curved structures

Hydro Mobile - CAN Mfr.

Canadian mast climber manufacturer

Mast climbing work platforms
High-capacity platform series
Built in Canada
Best for masonry and heavy loads

Fraco Mast Climbers - CAN Mfr. ← You are here

Canadian mast access systems

Work platforms and transport platforms
Construction hoists and permanent elevators
Founded by a mason for masons
Best for masonry and special projects

Hydek - US Mfr.

Hydraulic mast climbing systems

High-capacity hydraulic mast climbers
U.S. manufacturer
Popular with masonry contractors
Best for heavy-duty applications

EZ Crank Up Scaffold - US Mfr.

Crank-up masonry scaffolding

Platform raised by crank
Long 21-foot bridges
Lower-rise masonry work
Best for low and mid-rise walls

OSHA Compliance & Safety Standards

OSHA does not have a standard written specifically for mast climbing work platforms, so on U.S. construction sites they are generally held to OSHA's scaffold requirements in 29 CFR 1926.451, along with the manufacturer's instructions. The consensus standards ANSI/SAIA A92.9 (mast climbing work platforms) and A92.10 (transport platforms) cover design, installation, use, and training in more detail. Construction hoists fall under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.552.

Installed per the manufacturer's instructions and engineering
Mast ties installed at the specified intervals
Rated load posted and never exceeded
Guardrails on all open sides of the platform
Installers and operators trained on the equipment
Inspected by a competent person before each shift

OSHA Standard 29 CFR
1926.451

Scaffolds — General Requirements — U.S. Construction Regulations

OSHA Interpretations & Rulings →

Frequently Asked Questions

Fraco manufactures its equipment at its factory in Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. The company also acquired a factory in Zaragoza, Spain, with its 2019 purchase of Torgar.

Fraco makes mast climbing work platforms, transport platforms, construction hoists, and permanent and industrial elevators, and provides rental, installation, and engineered access for special projects.

Fraco was founded in 1991 by Armand Rainville, a mason who saw the value of mast climbers on his own brick jobs. The company remains family-led.

A mast climbing work platform is a working deck that stays at the work face so crews can build or repair a wall. A transport platform moves workers and materials between levels, similar to a temporary elevator. Each is covered by its own ANSI standard, A92.9 and A92.10.

Mast climbing work platforms are generally held to OSHA's scaffold rules in 29 CFR 1926.451, and construction hoists fall under 1926.552. Visit the OSHA website for full interpretations and rulings.

Use the Scaffold Exchange map to search by your location and filter by manufacturer. You can see which providers sell, rent, or install Fraco equipment and contact them directly through the platform.

Fraco Mast Climbers - CAN Mfr.