Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have endured in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brands in North America, with more than 100 various units available all over the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 different brand names. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the key players in the business consist of names such as Tovel, Lift King, JCB, Case, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features which have increased the telehandler's popularity. For instance, Manitou, Tovel, 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 feature is provided as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel all provide very rigid and durable framed equipment operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck units. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift is able to vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. 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. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.