The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have continued even in spite of overall diminished sales. For example, there are at least 19 different brand names within North America, with more than 100 various units available. In regards to makers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brand names. Understandably, several of the brands market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the main players within the business comprise names such as JCB, Case, Lift King, Tovel, Sellick, Manitou, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. Like for example, Tovel, Manitou, Omega Lift and AUSA use hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which allow the operator to square up the frame of the truck when it is sitting on uneven terrain in order for lifts to be made more safely. This particular feature is offered as an option by Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers that offer rigid framed machines that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide the incredible maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck units. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift can vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.