Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 different forklift brands within North America, with more than 100 various models available all around the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 different brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the key players within the business consist of brand names such as JCB, Case, Lift King, Tovel, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Sellick and Manitou.
By borrowing some of the features which have increased the telehandler's popularity, forklift manufacturers 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 truck's frame when it is sitting on uneven terrain in order for lifts to be made more safely. This feature is offered as an alternative by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers that provide rigid framed machinery that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck units. 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 the majority of lift trucks available. It allows the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.