Vertical-mast and rough terrain forklift marketers have endured in spite of diminished overall sales. There are at least 19 various lift truck brand names within North America, with more than 100 different models available all over the world. In regards to makers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being sold under 24 different brand names. Understandably, several of the brand names market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Some of the key players within the industry consist of names like JCB, Case, Lift King, Tovel, Manitou, Sellick, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
The marketers of lift trucks have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame. Like 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 feature is provided as an alternative by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
The 4-wheel steer is a different telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Load Lifter and Tovel are makers which offer rigid framed machines which operate on 4 equal sized tires. These four-wheel coordinated steering and crab-steering modes provide the incredible maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck models. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode as well.
The carriage sideshift is able to vastly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature today. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. It allows the operator to move the mast hydraulically several 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.