Both masts and towers are very resistant to loads on their vertical axis. Customers often ask us whether a mast will carry a specified amount of equipment in kilograms. The answer is almost always affirmative, because the lateral surface of the installed antennas is much more important than the weight for the statics of mast structures. The mast acts like a sail, generating large tearing forces on the verticalizing ropes. These forces deflect the mast from the vertical.
A feature of a properly designed structure is that the deviation does not exceed 1:100 of the height of the structure at the maximum wind speed characteristic of the wind zone in which the structure is installed. From the above discussion it follows that for us as manufacturers the key information is the predicted wind zone and the total lateral surface area of the planned antennas.
Knowing what antennas you plan to place on the mast, and knowing the parameters of the plot - we can recommend the right type series of towers or masts. The general rule is that radio links require rigid structures (minimally susceptible to wind) and omnidirectional antennas have a large tolerance in this respect (they are, in turn, sensitive to low separation). High rigidity of the structure most often results from its mass, which in turn translates into price. It is therefore worth considering whether and how much rigidity we really need - so as not to overpay.
Another thing to consider is the potential strength reserve for future expansion of the number of antennas. In masts, unless we make a reserve earlier, changing the load-bearing capacity is relatively simple. To a certain extent, this means replacing the ropes with thicker ones and strengthening the anchoring elements. In the case of towers, we do not have this convenience. The weakest element is usually the segment placed on the ground and any expansion, unless we make a reserve, means replacing it, which in turn means dismantling the tower.