The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of overall diminished sales. For example, there are at least 19 different brands within North America, with more than 100 various models available. In regards to manufacturers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being sold under 24 various brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players within the business consist of brand names such as Lift King, Tovel, Case, JCB, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Sellick and Manitou.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. For instance, Omega Lift, AUSA, Manitou and Tovel use 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 alternative by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers that offer rigid framed machinery which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering standard lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast can improve placement dexterity. A typical feature that is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is provided on most lift trucks available. It enables 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 either side of the center of the mast.