The marketers of rough-terrain, vertical-mast forklifts have endured even in spite of overall diminished sales. For example, there are at least 19 various brand names within North America, with over 100 various models available. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, several of the brand names market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players in the business consist of brand names like JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Manitou and Sellick.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity. Like for example, AUSA, Omega Lift, Tovel and Manitou 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 Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel all offer extremely rigid and durable framed machines operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift could greatly 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 move the mast hydraulically several inches to either side of center. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.