JLG Industries sold more telehandlers but reported less aerial work platform sales revenue in the third quarter ended April 30.

JLG reported USD34.8 million in third-quarter telehandler sales, compared to USD20.6 million in last year's comparable period.

The aerial work platforms business, which is a larger product group than telehandlers, suffered with quarterly sales of USD116.1 million, compared to USD124.5 million last year.

JLG more than doubled its quarterly profit to USD2.2 million compared with USD836,000 in the same quarter last year. Group sales fell slightly to USD205.8 million from USD208.7 million in the third quarter of 2002.

JLG chairman Bill Lasky said the European equipment rentals industry, where JLG ranked third, was "struggling" due to crowding.

"We are watching our exposure carefully (and) holding the line on pricing, even as some competitors have lowered them. We intend to hold the line on Euro pricing. We will walk away from deals with unacceptable returns," he said.

Mr Lasky said JLG was pursuing cost reduction strategies, and projected gross savings of USD36.8 million this fiscal year.