The new JLG compact telahandler.

JLG Industries Inc plans the North American introduction of two compact telehandler models at the 2006 World of Concrete trade show from January 17 to January 20 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In early 2005, JLG began production of the models at its Maasmechelen, Belgium, facility and initially targeted the European and Australian markets, typically for use in landscaping, agriculture and general construction applications.

"This class machine can fill out our product line in North America," said Mark Eckert, JLG North American telehandler product champion, from his office in Hagerstown. "We are taking something with a lot of European influence in the design."

One telehandler has a lifting height up to 23 feet (7.0 metres) with a maximum capacity of 6,600 lbs and a forward reach of 12.8 feet (3.9 metres). The other has a 5,700lb (2,586kg) lifting capacity and a 19 foot (6.0 metre) maximum lifting height.

For now, JLG will continue to build the two premium models in Maasmechelen and export them to North America.

The design includes improved operator visibility, a 140-degree carriage rotation and a mechanical quick switch for changing from forks to other attachments, such as a general-purpose bucket, a digging bucket or a truss boom.

The company markets telehandlers under the JLG, SkyTrak, Lull and Gradall brands but has not determined the North American branding for the two compact telehandlers.

A more typical North American telehandler for the construction market has a higher boom pivot for more height and farther reaches. JLG's typical 6,000lb-capacity telehandler, for instance, has a lifting height of 42-45 feet (12.8-13.7 metres) and one of the SkyTrak models has a 36 foot (11.0 metre) lifting height.

Each compact model is technologically advanced with more electronic components than most North American telehandlers, Eckert said.

JLG is not ready to disclose pricing for the models but intends to "be competitive with the rest of the machines in this size class", Eckert said.

In conjunction with the World of Concrete, JLG will inaugurate its trademarked Telehandler Skills Challenge. Contestants compete over a closed course using a JLG telehandler on a simulated job site. Entrants can apply online at www.jlg.com/challenge2.