Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have endured in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 different forklift brands within North America, with more than 100 different models available all around the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is practically the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the key players in the business include names such as Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. For example, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift 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 alternative by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers which provide rigid framed machines 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 units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The side-shifting mast or carriage sideshift can improve placement dexterity. A standard feature that is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is provided on most available lift trucks. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few 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.