The United States Army recently granted an $85.7 million contract to JLG Industries to build 492 all-terrain lifter army system (ATLAS II) telescopic forklifts.

JLG Industries last week said it received an order to build 492 all-terrain lifter army system (ATLAS II) telescopic forklifts for the United States Army. The order has a value of $85.7 million, with units scheduled for delivery beginning in the fall of 2010.

“This award is a testament to JLG’s ability to design, build and provide exceptional support for products supplied to the U.S. military,” said Craig Paylor, executive vice president of JLG parent company Oshkosh Corp., and president of JLG. “We will continue to deliver on our commitment to provide superior performance, rugged dependability and the highest level of after-sales support for the ATLAS II and all JLG products.”

The newest in the JLG line of military telehandlers, the ATLAS II is designed with improved versatility and improved load-handling capabilities. The unit can reach into trucks and shipping containers, lift loads over obstacles and pick up loads from both above and below grade. It has a maximum reach of 28 feet and lift loads of up to 10,000 pounds.

“The JLG ATLAS II comes equipped with four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer and exceptional ground clearance,” said Denny Buterbaugh, JLG Industries vice president of government products and programs. “These machines will enable Army logistics personnel to transport materials through a variety of terrains.”

The ATLAS program began in 1998 and continues with a second-generation machine. The ATLAS II will be manufactured at JLG facilities in McConnellsburg, Pa.