The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of overall diminished sales. Like for example, there are at least 19 various brand names within North America, with over 100 different models available. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brands. Understandably, several of the brands sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the main players within the industry include names like Tovel, Lift King, Case, JCB, Sellick, Manitou, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. For example, Manitou, Tovel, Omega Lift and AUSA use hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that 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 alternative by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King 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 equipment which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability which 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 can vastly 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. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.