Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have endured in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 various lift truck brand names within North America, with over 100 different models available worldwide. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 various brand names. Understandably, some of the brand names market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the main players in the industry include names such as Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Sellick, Manitou, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity. For example, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift utilize 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 offered as an option by Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers that offer rigid framed machinery that operate 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 units. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift could vastly enhance placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is provided on the majority of available lift trucks. 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.