Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 various lift truck brand names within North America, with more than 100 various units available worldwide. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 different brand names. Understandably, some of the brand names market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players within the business comprise brand names like Case, JCB, Tovel, Lift King, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features which have increased the telehandler's popularity. For example, AUSA, Omega Lift, Tovel and Manitou 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 feature is offered as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer extremely durable and rigid framed equipment operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer 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 as well.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast could improve placement dexterity. A standard feature that is rather common is the mast sideshift. This is found on most available lift trucks. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. Another option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.