Although there are very few unique features among telehandlers, one exception is the traversing boom. Pettibone LLC, Baraga, Mich., is one of two North American suppliers of traversing boom telehandlers. In October, the company used its 2007 International Dealer Retreat in Phoenix, Ariz., as the backdrop to unveil its newest addition to the tightly focused product segment.
Pettibone's T10056 was developed in response to its dealers' demands for a machine that competes with the LULL Model 1044C-54 Series II. This one-off prototype was not only painted flat black, but it also modified with custom chrome and stainless steel.
Following the proven path
The new unit is similar in design to the proven Pettibone T8044. Although the T10056's maximum rated lift capacity was initially set at 10,000 pounds, the company believes that final tests will allow it to raise the maximum to 11,000 pounds, which should be known by the end of the year. And although the maximum published lift height will be 56 feet, I was also told that it would actually reach 57 feet.
A key feature of this machine • as with the entire Traverse Series • is that the entire boom travels 70 inches horizontally. This permits loads to be landed more easily inside narrow openings, such as windows, or to be able to spot a pallet of material or a cube of block onto a scaffold more readily.
The only other major structural difference from the T8044 is a 12-inch longer wheel base and a similar lengthening of the main frame and sub-frame that the boom traverses on. This is required to handle the increased leverage produced by the longer four-section boom.
According to Ray McDonald, Pettibone's vice president of engineering, the T10056 makes a departure from previously introduced Traverse Series machines in that it is the first Pettibone telehandler to come with frame-mounted stabilizers. These outriggers must be set and sense 1,200 pounds of hydraulic pressure in order for the boom to fully extend and raise the boom above 44 feet. McDonald added that the company has a long-term plan to shift the entire product line over to this type of mounting.
Precise power and steering
An electronically controlled Tier 3-compliant 110-hp Cummins turbo diesel also has been carried over to the T10056 from the T8044. McDonald said this engine surges to 115-peak hp when the engine is loaded up and the speed drops from its maximum rpm. The engine is mid-mounted in the frame, which is a more traditional direct-drive installation location.
Power is transferred through a Carraro-supplied powershift transmission. The TLB2 transmission offers fully modulated four speeds in forward and reverse. In other words, the fully modulated transmission protects itself from damage if the operator is driving at 20 mph in fourth gear, for example, and then suddenly drops it into first gear. Instead, the transmission allows for deceleration to a safe rpm before shifting into the selected gear.
Carraro also supplies the entire driveline. The Precision Steer Axle System is a set of trunion-mounted axles that provides improved steering geometry and a 55-degree turning angle. In four-wheel steering mode, the turning radius is less than 14 feet. Two-wheel and crab steer are also standard. Pneumatic 14:00x24 tires are rated at 16 ply.
Stout and safe lifting
The boom itself is robust, offering full power in and out and employing a single double-acting cylinder. The cylinder works in conjunction with a roller chain to deploy or retract the outer-mid and tip sections. Dual lift cylinders are cambered in at the top ever so slightly and ride on spherical bearings, which allow the boom to self-center as it raises and takes a load of stress off the main pins. As you can see in the image below, the track carrying the traversing boom's sub-structure is offset to increase the viewing angle and improve the operator's right-hand side visibility.
From a service standpoint, sealed pivots, pins, and bushings are used where appropriate in order to increase life. Boom slide pads are oil-impregnated nylon; only the weight-bearing rollers on the bottom and top of the boom have to be greased. All slide pads feature steel threaded inserts and are held in place with lock bolts. Removal is as easy as loosening the bolts and sliding them out.
The T10056's rear-axle stabilization has two features: The rear axle is allowed to oscillate freely as long as the boom is below 25 in elevation, and once you raise the boom above this level, the speed the axle moves at is significantly slowed. Setting the parking brake system automatically locks the rear axle in its current oscillated position. A single sway cylinder delivers a full 24 (+/-12) of combined frame-leveling.
Deliveries of the T10056 are projected to start in beginning of the second quarter 2008. Although this unit is black, production machines will be the painted the Pettibone's signature yellow.
For more information, visit www.gopettibone.com.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
