Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 various forklift brands in North America, with over 100 various units available worldwide. In regards to manufacturers, there is practically the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being sold under 24 different brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players within the industry comprise names such as JCB, Case, Lift King, Tovel, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Manitou and Sellick.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. For instance, Manitou, Tovel, Omega Lift and AUSA use 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 particular feature is provided as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers which offer rigid framed equipment that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift could vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is offered on most available lift trucks. It allows the operator to hydraulically move the mast several 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.