The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of diminished overall sales. For example, there are at least 19 various brands in North America, with over 100 different units available. In regards to manufacturers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 different brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players in the industry comprise names such as JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Manitou, Sellick, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
By borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, lift truck manufacturers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For instance, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift use hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that 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 particular feature is offered as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers which offer rigid framed machinery that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes offer the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck units. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift can greatly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is offered on most lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. Another option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.