Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have endured in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brand names in North America, with more than 100 different units available all over the world. In regards to makers, 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 sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the main players in the business include brand names like JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
By borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, lift truck manufacturers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For instance, Omega Lift, AUSA, Manitou and Tovel 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.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer extremely rigid and durable framed machines operating on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide 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 or side-shifting mast could improve placement dexterity. A standard feature that is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is provided on the majority of lift trucks available. It enables 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 either side of the center of the mast.