Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have endured in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 different forklift brand names in North America, with more than 100 different units available all around the world. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, several of the brand names sell both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the key players in the industry include names like JCB, Case, Lift King, Tovel, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
By borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame, lift truck manufacturers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for example, Manitou, Tovel, AUSA and Omega Lift utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which enable the operator to square up the truck's frame when it is sitting on uneven terrain in order for lifts to be made more safely. This particular feature is provided as an alternative by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers that offer rigid framed machines which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide the incredible maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck models. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift can greatly enhance placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is offered on the majority of available lift trucks. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few inches to either side of center. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.