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 brands in North America, with more than 100 various units available. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 different brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names sell both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the main players in the industry consist of brand names such as Lift King, Tovel, JCB, Case, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame. Like for instance, AUSA, Omega Lift, Manitou and Tovel use 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 offered as an option by Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer extremely rigid and durable framed machinery operating on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast can enhance placement dexterity. A typical feature which is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is offered on most available lift trucks. It enables the operator to move the mast hydraulically several inches to either side of center. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.