Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have endured in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brand names in North America, with more than 100 various models available all around the world. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being sold under 24 various brands. Understandably, some of the brand names market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the key players in the business consist of names such as Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Sellick and Manitou.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. Like for example, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which 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 option by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers that provide rigid framed equipment which 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 conventional lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast can improve placement dexterity. A standard feature that is rather common is the mast sideshift. This is offered on most lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast several inches to either side of center. A different option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to either side of the center of the mast.