Short stroke mast-raising system

A system for raising a mast, comprising:

• first and second primary cylinders that are substantially parallel to one another, the first and second primary cylinders each having a first end configured to be coupled to the mast and a second end configured to be coupled to a lifting base, wherein the first and second primary cylinders each actuate from a retracted position to an extended position;
• first and second upper secondary cylinders that are substantially parallel to one another, the first and second upper secondary cylinders each having a first end that is in a fixed position with respect to the mast and a second end that is configured to push the first ends of the first and second primary cylinders, respectively, toward a pivot point between the mast and the lifting base when the first and second upper secondary cylinders actuate from a retracted position to an extended position;
• and
• first and second lower secondary cylinders that are substantially parallel to one another, the first and second lower secondary cylinders each having a first end that is in a fixed position with respect to the lifting base and a second end that is configured to push the second ends of the first and second primary cylinders, respectively, toward the pivot point when the first and second lower secondary cylinders actuate from a retracted position to an extended position.

A method for raising a mast, comprising:

• actuating a primary cylinder from a first position to a second position to at least partially raise the mast, wherein the primary cylinder comprises a first end coupled to the mast and a second end coupled to a lifting base;
• actuating an actuator from a first position to a second position, which causes the first end of the primary cylinder or the second end of the primary cylinder to move toward a pivot point between the mast and the lifting base, wherein the actuator comprises an upper secondary cylinder, wherein a first end of the upper secondary cylinder is coupled to the mast at a fixed location, and wherein a second end of the upper secondary cylinder moves toward the pivot point when the upper secondary cylinder actuates from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the first end of the primary cylinder toward the pivot point;
• and
• actuating a lower secondary cylinder from a first position to a second position, wherein a first end of the lower secondary cylinder is coupled to the lifting base at a fixed location, and wherein a second end of the lower secondary cylinder moves toward the pivot point when the lower secondary cylinder actuates from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the second end of the primary cylinder toward the pivot point.