Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have continued in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brands in North America, with over 100 various units available all around the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being sold under 24 different brands. Understandably, several of the brands market both telehandlers and lift trucks. Some of the main players within the business comprise brand names such as Case, JCB, Tovel, Lift King, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing a few of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame. For instance, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift utilize hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that enable 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 provided as an alternative by Lift King, Swinger and Load Lifter lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer very rigid and durable framed machinery operating on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering conventional lift truck models. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift could vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. 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.