Final answer:
The mast on a conventional forklift is fixed, meaning it does not retract, inflate, or rotate, but rather moves up and down by a hydraulic system to handle materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vertical mast on a conventional forklift is fixed. This means that the mast, which is the part of the forklift that does the lifting, is not capable of retracting, inflating, or rotating. Instead, it stands upright and is only able to move up and down to lift and lower loads. The mast's movement is enabled by a hydraulic system, and it is integral to a forklift's ability to perform tasks related to material handling and inventory management.