The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of diminished overall sales. For instance, there are at least 19 various brand names in North America, with more than 100 different units available. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though 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 in the industry comprise brand names like Tovel, Lift King, JCB, Case, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
By borrowing some of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For example, Manitou, Tovel, AUSA and Omega Lift 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 feature is provided as an alternative by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter all provide very rigid and durable framed machines 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 standard lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift could greatly enhance placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is found on most available lift trucks. It allows the operator to move the mast hydraulically several 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.