Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have endured in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 different forklift brand names within North America, with more than 100 different models available worldwide. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players in the business consist of brand names such as Lift King, Tovel, Case, JCB, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
By borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame, lift truck makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For instance, Tovel, Manitou, Omega Lift and AUSA 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 feature is provided as an option by Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer very durable and rigid framed equipment 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 as well.
The carriage sideshift can greatly enhance placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is offered on the majority of lift trucks available. It enables the operator to move the mast hydraulically 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.