The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of overall diminished sales. For instance, there are at least 19 various brands within North America, with over 100 various models available. 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, several of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the key players in the business consist of brand names such as Tovel, Lift King, Case, JCB, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Manitou and Sellick.
By borrowing some of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, lift truck makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For example, Omega Lift, AUSA, Tovel and Manitou utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which enable 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 offered as an option by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger 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 crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide the incredible 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 or side-shifting mast could improve placement dexterity. A typical feature which is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is found on the majority of available lift trucks. It enables 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.