Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various forklift brands within North America, with over 100 various models available all over the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brand names. Understandably, some of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players in the business comprise brand names such as Tovel, Lift King, Case, JCB, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Sellick and Manitou.
By borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's popularity, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For instance, Manitou, Tovel, Omega Lift and AUSA use hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which enable 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 Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter all provide extremely durable and rigid framed equipment operating on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift is able to greatly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is provided on the majority of available lift trucks. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few 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.