Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various lift truck brands in North America, with over 100 different units available all around the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being sold under 24 various brand names. Understandably, some of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the main players within the industry include names such as Lift King, Tovel, JCB, Case, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Manitou and Sellick.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features which have increased the telehandler's popularity. Like for example, Tovel, Manitou, Omega Lift and AUSA 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 particular feature is offered as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers that provide rigid framed machines which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide the incredible maneuverability which 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 most lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.