The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of diminished overall sales. Like for instance, there are at least 19 different brands in North America, with more than 100 different units available. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even though their products are being sold under 24 different brand names. Understandably, some of the brands sell both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the main players within the business include names like Case, JCB, Tovel, Lift King, Sellick, Manitou, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
By borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for instance, Manitou, Tovel, AUSA and Omega Lift 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 Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King 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 four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck models. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift could vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is found on the majority of available lift trucks. It allows the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few inches to either side of center. Another option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.