The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have continued even in spite of overall diminished sales. Like for instance, there are at least 19 various brand names in North America, with over 100 various units available. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being sold under 24 different brand names. Understandably, some of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players in the industry consist of names like Lift King, Tovel, Case, JCB, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
By borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for example, Omega Lift, AUSA, Tovel and Manitou use 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 provided as an option by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers which offer rigid framed machinery that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer 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 is able to greatly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is offered on most available lift trucks. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few 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.