The marketers of rough-terrain, vertical-mast forklifts have continued even in spite of overall diminished sales. For instance, there are at least 19 different brands in North America, with more than 100 different models available. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 various brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the key players in the industry consist of names like Case, JCB, Tovel, Lift King, Sellick, Manitou, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame. For instance, Tovel, Manitou, Omega Lift and AUSA utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which enable 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 particular feature is offered as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter all provide extremely durable and rigid framed machines operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The side-shifting mast or carriage sideshift could improve placement dexterity. A standard feature which is rather common is the mast sideshift. 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. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.