The marketers of rough-terrain, vertical-mast forklifts have continued even in spite of diminished overall sales. Like for example, there are at least 19 various brands in North America, with over 100 different units available. In regards to makers, there is practically the same number of telehandler manufacturers, even if their products are being marketed under 24 different brands. Understandably, some of the brands sell both telehandlers and lift trucks. Several of the key players within the business include brand names like JCB, Case, Tovel, Lift King, Sellick, Manitou, Ingersoll Rand and Omega Lift.
By borrowing a few of the features which have increased the telehandler's fame, lift truck makers have been able to increase their maneuverability advantages. For example, Tovel, Manitou, AUSA and Omega Lift use hydraulic chassis-leveling systems that allow 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 particular feature is provided as an option by Swinger, Load Lifter, and Lift King lift trucks.
One more 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 offer the incredible maneuverability which rivals the 4-wheeled steering standard lift truck units. There are additional flexibility options with the sideways shuttle crab-steer mode too.
The carriage sideshift is able to greatly improve placement dexterity. The mast sideshift is a common feature now. This is offered 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 either side of the center of the mast.