Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various lift truck brand names within North America, with more than 100 various models available worldwide. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being sold under 24 various brand names. Understandably, some of the brand names market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the main players in the business comprise brand names like Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Sellick and Manitou.
By borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For instance, Omega Lift, AUSA, Manitou and Tovel utilize 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 a different telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers which provide rigid framed machines which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer 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 improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is provided on the majority of available lift trucks. It allows 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.