The marketers of rough-terrain, vertical-mast forklifts have endured even in spite of overall diminished sales. Like for example, there are at least 19 various brands within North America, with more than 100 various models available. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 different brand names. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players in the business comprise names such as JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity. For example, Manitou, Tovel, AUSA and Omega Lift utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that 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 offered as an option by Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer very rigid and durable framed machines operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift is able to vastly enhance placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is offered on most lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.