Those watching financial reports to get a feel for the market would be buoyed by Jungheinrich's latest results, showing a 13% revenue jump in the last quarter (compared to 2014). The German giant notes a global market expansion, with growth in most markets - except Eastern Europe and segments of the Chinese market.
Things are not as good for other manufacturers, especially those making heavy materials handling equipment.
Oshkosh Corporation revenues fell more than a third in the last quarter, with access equipment down almost 20%, attributable largely to a slow-down in the order rate in North America.
And it's even worse at Manitowoc, where third quarter net income dropped a staggering 93% from the same period last year.
So, it's hard to draw any sweeping conclusions from the diverse performances.