Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have endured in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brand names within North America, with over 100 various units available all over the world. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 different brands. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players in the business consist of names like JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
By borrowing some of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, lift truck manufacturers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For example, Omega Lift, AUSA, Tovel and Manitou utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which 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 provided as an alternative by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter all provide very rigid and durable framed machinery operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering standard lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift can vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is found on most lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. Another option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.