The reworked ARM-XL line exceeds end-user expectations, according to the company.

Omega Lift Manufacturing Inc has reworked the design of its entire ARM-XL series of heavy-duty forklifts and extended the standard capacity to 20,000 pounds (9,000 kg).

"We have always had heavier specialised telehandlers, and we were manufacturing them as one-offs," says Nick Acocella, director of international sales and marketing with Omega.

Omega delivered its first commercial telescopic unit with the new standard capacity in May.

Models in the reworked ARM-XL series start at 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) and include the previously largest 16,000 pound (7,200 kg) capacity unit, which entered the standard product line two years ago.

Acocella reports that dealers and end-users indicate the reworked ARM-XL line exceeds their expectations. "We wanted to add features people were asking for," he says. That includes a hydrostatic drive and a shift-on-the-fly gearbox.

"We spent time on the attachments" including improved designs for clamps, grapples, balers and carriers, Acocella notes.
Omega's smaller ARM series has all-terrain telescopic handler models with lifting capacities ranging from 6,000-10,000 pounds (2,700-4,500 kg).

In September 2005, Omega moved 1.2 miles (2 km) within Bolton to a 12-acre site with a facility of about 50,000 square feet (4,500 sqm) including an open assembly line concept for welding, fabrication and painting functions. Omega employs 60 people, primarily in manufacturing and sales capacities.