Rough-terrain and vertical-mast forklift marketers have endured in spite of overall diminished sales. There are at least 19 various forklift brands within North America, with over 100 different units available all over the world. In regards to makers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being sold under 24 various brands. Understandably, several of the brands sell both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the key players in the business include brand names like Case, JCB, Lift King, Tovel, Ingersoll Rand, Omega Lift, Sellick and Manitou.
By borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's fame, forklift makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. Like for example, AUSA, Omega Lift, Manitou and Tovel use 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 alternative by Load Lifter, Lift King and Swinger lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Omega Lift, Lift King, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers which provide rigid framed machines that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide the fantastic maneuverability that 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 could vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is provided on most available lift trucks. 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 both sides of the center of the mast.