Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various forklift brands in North America, with over 100 different units available all over the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brands. Understandably, several of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players within the business include brand names such as Tovel, Lift King, Case, JCB, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Manitou and Sellick.
By borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's popularity, lift truck manufacturers 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 particular feature is provided as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel all provide very rigid and durable framed machinery operating on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes offer the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck units. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift could vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is provided on the majority of lift trucks available. It enables the operator to move the mast hydraulically several inches to either side of center. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.