The marketers of rough-terrain, vertical-mast forklifts have continued even in spite of diminished overall sales. For example, there are at least 19 different brand names in North America, with over 100 various units available. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brands. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the key players within the business include brand names like Lift King, Tovel, JCB, Case, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Sellick and Manitou.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity. For instance, AUSA, Omega Lift, Tovel and Manitou utilize 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 another 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 provide the fantastic maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck models. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast can improve placement dexterity. A standard feature which is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is found on the majority of available lift trucks. It allows the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few inches to either side of center. Another option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.