Some manufactures won't be able to survive, especially the second-level minimal-volume producers and will likely disappear from the aerial access scene. This industry is facing some very interesting and difficult times for the next 24+ months.

This is not all doom and gloom as there are some very solid investing opportunities within the construction equipment industry. Here are several that should be considered as I would anticipate the savvy investor could double or triple his investment within five to seven years: United Rentals trading around a 52-week low; always solid with a good dividend Caterpillar; Manitowoc, a well-run company; Terex (I have great faith in Ron DeFeo and his operational skills); and John Deere, with a strong agricultural business group that will continue to grow with the alternative fuels market, should be added to an individual's portfolio.

Oshkosh is an attractive company, but there is risk because of its debt load and the possibility of Middle East military actions winding down, which would reduce some of its markets.

Frank Scarborough is the former president of Snorkel International and a veteran of more than 30 years in the aerial industry. He can be reached at FrankScarborough@aol.com.