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 brands within North America, with more than 100 different models available. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brand names. Understandably, some of the brands sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players in the industry consist of names like Tovel, Lift King, JCB, Case, Omega Lift, Ingersoll Rand, Manitou and Sellick.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. Like for instance, AUSA, Omega Lift, Tovel and Manitou 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 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 which 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 standard lift truck models. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast could enhance placement dexterity. A standard feature that is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. It allows the operator to move the mast hydraulically a few inches to either side of center. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.