Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have continued in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 various lift truck brand names in North America, with over 100 different units available worldwide. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being sold under 24 various brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players within the industry comprise names like Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Sellick and Manitou.
By borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for example, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift 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 provided as an option by Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers that provide rigid framed machines that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The side-shifting mast or carriage sideshift could improve placement dexterity. A standard feature that is rather common is the mast sideshift. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few 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.