The marketers of rough-terrain, vertical-mast forklifts have endured even in spite of diminished overall sales. For example, there are at least 19 different brand names in North America, with over 100 various units available. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 different brands. Understandably, several of the brands sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the key players within the business comprise brand names like JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity. Like for instance, Omega Lift, AUSA, Tovel and Manitou 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 Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers that offer rigid framed machines which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes offer the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering standard lift truck units. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The side-shifting mast or carriage sideshift can improve placement dexterity. A standard feature that is rather common is the mast sideshift. This is provided on the majority of available lift trucks. It allows the operator to move the mast hydraulically 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.