Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have endured in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brands in North America, with more than 100 different models available all over the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even though their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, several of the brands market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the key players in the industry consist of names like Case, JCB, Tovel, Lift King, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Manitou and Sellick.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features which have increased the telehandler's popularity. Like for example, Tovel, Manitou, Omega Lift and AUSA use hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that allow the operator to square up the truck's frame 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 Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter all provide very durable and rigid framed machinery 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 standard lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift is able to greatly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is found on most lift trucks available. It allows 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 either side of the center of the mast.