Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have endured in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 different lift truck brand names within North America, with over 100 various models available all over the world. In regards to manufacturers, there is practically the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being marketed under 24 various brand names. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the key players in the industry consist of brand names such as JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing several of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. Like for instance, Tovel, Manitou, Omega Lift and AUSA utilize 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 feature is offered as an alternative by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
One more telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel all provide very durable and rigid framed machinery operating on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide 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 could enhance placement dexterity. A standard feature which is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is provided on most lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few inches to either side of center. One more option is the carriage sideshift. This works by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.