The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of overall diminished sales. For instance, there are at least 19 various brands within North America, with more than 100 different units available. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, some of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players within the business include names such as Tovel, Lift King, Case, JCB, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Sellick and Manitou.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame. For instance, Manitou, Tovel, Omega Lift and AUSA utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that 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 feature is offered as an alternative by Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers which offer rigid framed machines that operate 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 units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift can vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is offered on the majority of lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.