Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various forklift brands within North America, with over 100 various units available worldwide. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 various brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the key players within the industry consist of brand names like JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. For example, AUSA, Omega Lift, Manitou and Tovel use hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which 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 Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers that offer rigid framed machines which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The side-shifting mast or carriage sideshift could enhance placement dexterity. A typical feature that is rather common is the mast sideshift. This is offered on most available lift trucks. It enables 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 either side of the center of the mast.