The marketers of rough-terrain, vertical-mast forklifts have endured even in spite of diminished overall sales. For instance, there are at least 19 different brands within North America, with more than 100 different models available. In regards to makers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even though their products are being sold under 24 various brands. Understandably, several of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the main players within the industry consist of names such as Lift King, Tovel, JCB, Case, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
By borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, forklift manufacturers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for instance, AUSA, Omega Lift, Tovel and Manitou 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 option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers which provide rigid framed equipment that operate 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 too.
The carriage sideshift could greatly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is found on the majority of available lift trucks. 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.