Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various forklift brands within North America, with more than 100 various units available all around the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brands. Understandably, some of the brands sell 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 several of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame. For example, AUSA, Omega Lift, Tovel and Manitou utilize 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 feature is provided as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer very durable and rigid framed machines operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering standard lift truck models. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast could enhance placement dexterity. A standard feature which is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. It allows the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few inches to either side of center. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.