Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have endured in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 different forklift brand names within North America, with more than 100 various models available worldwide. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players within the business comprise names such as Tovel, Lift King, JCB, Case, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
By borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame, lift truck manufacturers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for instance, AUSA, Omega Lift, Manitou and Tovel 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 alternative by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel all offer extremely rigid and durable framed machinery 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 traditional lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast could improve placement dexterity. A typical feature which is rather common is the mast sideshift. This is offered on the majority of lift trucks available. It allows 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 both sides of the center of the mast.