Pettibone introduces next gen T944X telehandler with industry-exclusive traversing boom

The new Pettibone Traverse T944X is the industry's only new telehandler with an extendable, traversing boom that moves loads by traveling horizontally. Up to 70 inches of horizontal boom transfer allows users to precisely and safely place loads at full lift height through tight openings without having to coordinate multiple boom functions. 

With the Traverse, the specified lift height of 44 feet, 6 inches is nearly identical to the 44-foot landing height. This stands in contrast to a traditional fixed boom pivot, where the true landing height is generally several feet less than the advertised lift height, as operators must account for withdrawing the forks out of the load with enough rearward travel for the fork tips to clear the landing zone. The traversing boom allows for maximum forward reach of 35 feet, 10 inches.

The T944X builds upon Pettibone's traditional rock-solid design, delivering the same ruggedness and dependability while providing several new design enhancements. The telehandler is powered by a 74-horsepower Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier 4 Final diesel engine that features a DOC muffler and requires no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). The side pod engine offers easy service access while allowing excellent curbside visibility and ground clearance of 18 inches. A 117-horsepower option is also available.

Drivetrain and axles have been optimized to provide greater tractive effort with minimal tradeoff on top end speed. A pintle hitch mount adds versatility for towing trailers. Built for use on rough terrain, the unit offers full-time 4-wheel-drive with limited-slip front axle differential. Tight steer angle capability provides an efficient turning radius of 14 feet, 1 inch. The Dana VDT12000 Powershift transmission offers three speeds, forward and reverse.

Pettibone's leading hydraulics continue to deliver exceptional controllability and overall operating feel, while enhancing efficiency and cycle speeds. Cylinder cushioning has been introduced to dampen the end of strokes - both extending and retracting - to avoid the wear-and-tear of hard, jarring stops, while also helping prevent the potential spilling of a load. The telehandler also uses a single lift cylinder that improves operator sight lines, and has twin hydraulic lines for tilt and auxiliary plumbing.

The T944X offers maximum lift capacity of 9,000 pounds with its newly designed boom. Featuring formed boom plates and less welding, the structure offers greater strength while reducing weight. The design also minimizes boom deflection for better control and accuracy when placing loads.

Boom overlap has been nearly doubled from previous models to provide smoother operation and reduce contact forces on wear pads, thereby extending service life. A bottom-mounted external extend cylinder further reduces the load on wear pads by up to 50-percent. This cylinder location also provides greatly improved service access to internal boom components. A single extension chain eliminates the needs to balance dual chains. Another new introduction is fastener-less wear pads for simplified service.

The operator cab maintains Pettibone's ergonomic seat, pedal, joystick and steering wheel positions. A new analog/LCD gauge cluster comes standard. An optional 7-inch digital display with integrated back-up camera is also available. The cab also offers enhanced climate control, flat bolt-in glass, split door design, openable rear window, USB accessory plug, lockable storage under the seat, and water-resistant components for easy interior washdown.

All-steel fuel and hydraulic tanks are built to resist damage. The 30-gallon fuel tank offers ample volume for a full day's work at 100-percent load, and the lockable fuel-fill is in a clean, accessible location. Other features include non-tensioned boom hoses, split-system electrical circuit panels, a 12-volt accessory plug in the engine bay, and heavy-duty bright LED lighting. Additional options include a sling hook for additional load security and a wide variety of attachments.