Pettibone Traverse/Lift, LLC is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Cary-Lift, seen as the world's inaugural forward-reaching, rough-terrain material handler since its inception by Phil LaTendresse in 1949. Following its inception, the Cary-Lift product line was acquired by Pettibone, solidifying its status as a premier solution for pipe, pole and log handling.
Phil LaTendresse, the inventor's grandson and current director of engineering and product support at Pettibone, shared insights into the Cary-Lift's origins:
“A local sawmill owner was looking for a better solution for unloading logs, and that’s when my grandfather came up with the concept of being able to reach forward with a forklift, which inspired the first prototype Cary-Lift,” said LaTendresse. “He built about 13 machines before selling the business to Pettibone Mulliken Corporation.”
The Pettibone Cary-Lift offers distinctive design advantages over wheel loaders and alternative equipment commonly employed for material movement, rendering it a favored option across worksites worldwide.
Its unique overhead lift arm design ensures unobstructed front visibility for operators, while its robust steel body frame enables the machine to maneuver sharp turns with full loads without compromising stability.
“I see the future of the Cary-Lift as evolving, just like it always has,” said LaTendresse. “The first machines were in forestry. We evolved into pipe and pole handling. And we’re looking ahead toward diesel-electric hybrids and new applications, trying to find that next new niche.”
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
