Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have endured in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 various lift truck brand names in North America, with more than 100 different models available all around the world. In regards to makers, 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 sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the key players within the business include brand names like JCB, Case, Lift King, Tovel, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Sellick and Manitou.
By borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for instance, Omega Lift, AUSA, Manitou and Tovel utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that allow the operator to square up the truck's frame 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.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers which offer rigid framed machinery which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck units. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast could improve placement dexterity. A standard feature that is rather common is the mast sideshift. This is provided on the majority of lift trucks available. It allows the operator to move the mast hydraulically a few 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.