Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brands in North America, with more than 100 various units available worldwide. In regards to makers, there is practically the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 various brands. Understandably, several of the brands market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the key players within the industry include brand names like Lift King, Tovel, Case, JCB, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Manitou and Sellick.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. For example, Omega Lift, AUSA, Tovel and Manitou 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 particular feature is provided as an option by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel all offer very durable and rigid framed machinery operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck units. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The side-shifting mast or carriage sideshift can enhance placement dexterity. A typical feature that is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is provided on the majority of available lift trucks. It allows the operator to move the mast hydraulically 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.