The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of diminished overall sales. Like for example, there are at least 19 various brands within North America, with over 100 different units available. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 different brand names. Understandably, some of the brand names market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the main players in the industry consist of brand names such as Case, JCB, Tovel, Lift King, Sellick, Manitou, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity. Like for instance, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that enable 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 offered as an alternative by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer extremely rigid and durable framed equipment operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck units. 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 found on most 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.