McConnellsburg, Pa.-based JLG announced five new telehandlers at the Rental Show. The JLG 1255 telehandler seen on the show floor includes rental-targeted features such an integrated backup camera and an optional backup sensor. "This thing is completely redesigned," says Brian Boeckman, JLG global products director for telehandlers.

The backup camera addresses the blind spot most telehandler's share in the back right side, said Boeckman. JLG redesigned the boom hydraulics in the 1255 to improve visibility by reducing two cylinders to one, but it isn't a perfect solution, he says.

"You can see the right rear tire since we redesigned the boom, but we added the camera to boost operator confidence," he explained. The 1255 is also available with an optional backup sensor and alarm made by PreView Radar Systems. The pulse radar system can create an audible alarm if there is any obstruction behind the telehandler when reversing.

"We've had rental companies wanting to keep it basic; we've seen demand for an all-steel interior so they can come in with a high-pressure power washer after a job," said Boeckman. "But things like the backup camera and rear-sensor system are increasingly required on some sites. In these urban, tight jobsites, they require a backup sensor so we added one, same with the camera. Other features like rear-axle stabilization are only available now on the 1055 and the 1255 now, but soon all of our telehandlers will have it."

Terex subsidiary Genie has been expanding its telehandler line over the last year to a total of six, most recently unveiling the Genie 1256 at last month's World of Concrete.

"This lineup of telehandlers is the culmination of four years of work at Genie," said Matt Fearon, president, Terex Aerial Work Platforms. "We've never been very big on telehandlers, so we strategically said we're going to bite the bullet and get in with a full line of telehandlers targeted just for the rental industry—very trimmed down, very durable."

Terex President George Ellis echoed this economizing sentiment when recounting how Terex designed its latest generation of compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders.

"We went to the team and said we are going to build a purpose-built, rental machine for the rental market. Not necessarily put every whistle and bell that every engineer or sales guy can dream up to allow us to sell one or two to some guy in the middle of nowhere once in a while," he said.

"It's all about coming out with products at a price point that is attractive to the rental market," added Ellis.