Moving Loads Horizontally with Pettibone Traverse T944X Telehandler

Moving Loads Horizontally with Pettibone Traverse T944X Telehandler

The Pettibone Traverse T944X features an extendable, traversing boom that moves loads by traveling horizontally. Traverse is currently the only telehandler product line in the industry offering this capability. Providing up to 70 inches of horizontal boom transfer, the sliding boom allows users to precisely and safely place loads at full lift height without having to coordinate multiple boom functions.

With the Traverse, the model’s 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 gives the T944X a maximum forward reach of 35 feet, 10 inches.

The 9,000-pound-capacity T944X is part of the next-gen X-Series, which builds upon Pettibone’s traditional rock-solid design to deliver the same ruggedness and dependability while providing several new design enhancements.

The telehandler is powered by a 117-horsepower Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier 4 Final diesel engine. Mounted on a side pod, the engine offers easy service access while allowing excellent curbside visibility and a ground clearance of 18 inches.

The Traverse T944X comes standard with X-Command, a Pettibone telematics program that offers real-time access to machine data, saving time, money and hassle for equipment owners, rental centers and maintenance technicians.

The 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 a 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 boom design features formed boom plates and less welding, enabling the structure to offer greater strength while reducing weight. The design also minimizes boom deflection for better control and accuracy when placing loads.

Significant boom overlap provides smoother operation and reduces the contact forces on wear pads, thereby extending service life. An external, bottom-mounted extend cylinder further reduces the load on wear pads by up to 50 percent. This cylinder location also provides improved service access to internal boom components. Fastener-less wear pads also simplify service.

Extendo 944

The operator cab maintains Pettibone’s ergonomic seat, pedal, joystick and steering wheel positions. An 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, 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, and heavy-duty bright LED lighting. Additional options include a sling hook for additional load security and a wide variety of attachments.