Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various forklift brand names in North America, with over 100 different units available all over the world. In regards to makers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, some of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players in the industry include brand names like Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Manitou, Sellick, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
By borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame, lift truck manufacturers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For instance, Manitou, Tovel, AUSA and Omega Lift utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that enable 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 provided as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel all provide very rigid and durable framed machinery operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck models. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast can improve placement dexterity. A standard feature that is rather common is the mast sideshift. This is found on most lift trucks available. It enables 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 both sides of the center of the mast.