Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 different forklift 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 makers, even if their products are being sold under 24 various brand names. Understandably, several of the brands sell both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players within the industry comprise names like Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Manitou and Sellick.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity. For instance, Tovel, Manitou, Omega Lift and AUSA utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which enable 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 feature is provided as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Omega Lift, Lift King, Load Lifter and Tovel all offer extremely rigid and durable framed machinery operating on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional 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 today. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. It allows the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.