The marketers of rough-terrain, vertical-mast forklifts have endured even in spite of diminished overall sales. For example, there are at least 19 various brands within North America, with more than 100 different models available. In regards to manufacturers, there is almost the same number of telehandler makers, even though their products are being sold under 24 various brand names. Understandably, some of the brand names sell both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the main players within the industry include names such as Lift King, Tovel, Case, JCB, Manitou, Sellick, Omega Lift and Ingersoll Rand.
Lift Truck marketers have increased their maneuverability advantages by borrowing some of the features which have increased the telehandler's popularity. For instance, Manitou, Tovel, Omega Lift and AUSA utilize 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 particular feature is provided as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
Another telehandler-like technology is the 4-wheel steer. Lift King, Omega Lift, Tovel and Load Lifter all offer extremely rigid and durable framed machines operating 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 extra 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 rather common is the mast sideshift. This is found on the majority of lift trucks available. It enables the operator to hydraulically move the mast a few inches to either side of center. Another option is the carriage sideshift. This functions by moving the carriage to both sides of the center of the mast.