The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of overall diminished sales. For example, there are at least 19 different brands within North America, with more than 100 various units available. In regards to makers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 various brands. Understandably, some of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players within the business consist of names such as Tovel, Lift King, Case, JCB, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Manitou and Sellick.
By borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For example, Omega Lift, AUSA, Tovel and Manitou utilize 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 alternative by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers which provide rigid framed equipment that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift could greatly enhance 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 move the mast hydraulically several inches to either side of center. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.