The marketers of vertical-mast, rough-terrain forklifts have endured even in spite of overall diminished sales. For example, there are at least 19 various brands within North America, with over 100 various units available. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 various brand names. Understandably, some of the brands market both lift trucks and telehandlers. Several of the main players within the industry consist of names such as Lift King, Tovel, Case, JCB, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
By borrowing several of the features that have increased the telehandler's popularity, lift truck makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For example, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift use hydraulic chassis-leveling systems which 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.
The 4-wheel steer is another telehandler-like technology. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter are makers which provide rigid framed equipment that operate on 4 equal sized tires. These crab-steering and four-wheel coordinated steering modes offer the incredible maneuverability that rivals the 4-wheeled steering traditional lift truck models. There are extra flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift or side-shifting mast could improve placement dexterity. A typical feature that is quite common is the mast sideshift. This is found on most lift trucks available. It enables the operator to move the mast hydraulically 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.