In western part of Michigan I recall a brand of rough terrain forklifts labels John's. They made lift primarily to service the apple growers. Like most any one could they would buy a power train from Ford - then go to ACE hardware , NAPA parts store, sheet metal fabricator & welder and make these "unique" looking lifts & sold them inexpensively to handle the apple boxes on that beautiful west Michigan sand.
Another company that made lifts, but not certain if they got into articulated units was called Harlo - they were a ugly Yellow painted lift & used sliding section mast uprights vs a roller type..

This may or may not give you a lead but at least a couple doors to peek into.