Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have endured in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various lift truck brands within North America, with over 100 various units available all over the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 different brands. Understandably, several of the brands sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the main players in the business include brand names such as Lift King, Tovel, JCB, Case, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame. Like for example, Manitou, Tovel, AUSA and Omega Lift use 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 provided as an alternative by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer extremely durable and rigid framed equipment operating 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 too.
The carriage sideshift can vastly enhance placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. It allows the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few inches to either side of center. Another option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.