The JLG all terrain lifter army system (ATLAS).

JLG has been awarded two contracts from the US Army for all-terrain lifter army system (ATLAS) vehicles and related parts and tools.

The contracts are worth USD9.8 million.

The ATLAS is JLG's Skytrak telescopic handler engineered for military applications. Since production began in 1997, more than 1,800 ATLAS vehicles have been delivered to the US Army and army reserve to support combat operations.

The four-wheel drive, pneumatic tyre, diesel telescopic forklift has a 10,000lb (4,536kg) maximum load capacity, 27 foot 11.5 inch (8.5 metre) maximum lift height and a maximum reach of 24 feet 4 inches (7.4 metres).

US congressman Bill Shuster, a member of the armed services committee, promoted JLG to the defence department because JLG's Pennsylvania factory was close to Washington DC, a JLG statement said.

In July 2003, JLG acquired the OmniQuip business unit of Textron Inc for USD100 million (Forkliftaction.com News #115). The purchase included all operations relating to the SkyTrak and Lull product lines.