Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brands in North America, with more than 100 different units available all around the world. In regards to makers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brands. Understandably, some of the brand names market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players in the industry include brand names like Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Manitou, Sellick, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
By borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame, forklift manufacturers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for example, 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.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers that provide rigid framed equipment that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering standard lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift is able to vastly enhance placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is provided on most available lift trucks. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.