Low Profile, High Marks

Enlarge Image The Pettibone 744 Extendo boasts easy access to service points.

March 10, 2009 – With a more than 128-year heritage, Baraga, Mich.-based Pettibone is still innovative, manufacturing telehandlers with features that are anything but antiquated. The company presented the 744 Extendo telehandler at the Equipment Showcase. The machine boasts the largest cylinders, rods, pins, bushings, and chains in the industry, according to John Graham, western regional manager.

The 744 Extendo is powered by a 110-hp Cummins QSB4.5 turbocharged electronically controlled Tier 3-compliant engine. Pettibone has taken steps to make sure that there is plenty of room to access the engine and all service points. This was accomplished by moving the hydraulic tank as far forward as possible and moving the fuel tank to the opposite side of the machine. To access the engine simply pull a pin and easily slide the fiberglass hood forward.

Pettibone 744 Extendo Showcase Presentation

A Carraro four-speed forward, four-speed reverse transmission is mounted directly to the engine. The center-mounted drivetrain allows for the machine to be more

Enlarge Image Large roller chains are used to sequence the boom extension.

inherently balanced. The hydraulic tank is made of durable steel and has a recessed sight gauge to prevent damage. It is actually two tanks in one with a “dirt tank” that initially holds the oil. It settles here before passing through a 10-micron filter into a second reservoir. This also minimizes contamination that might be introduced from a dirty oil drum. The 34.8-gallon steel fuel tank is placed just behind the operator’s cab and features a cap that allows the operator to utilize his own padlock for security.

The air filter is easily accessible and has a visual pop-up to signal servicing. At the rear of the machine behind a substantial swing-out door is the main valve bank and backup alarm.

The rear axle stabilization system works such that any time the operator sets the parking brake, regardless of boo

Enlarge Image The mid-chassis engine mount in handy, and the hydraulic tank features a dirt box to help prolong hydraulic system life.

m angle, the machine goes from a three-point stability triangle to a four-point stability rectangle, locking the rear axle and frame sway. It also incorporates slow pivot mode any time the boom is above 20°. The system gives the effect of shock absorbers, slowing down the rotation of the rear axle to stabilize as operators drive across rough terrain.

 

Frame leveling is an industry-leading 12°, right and left. Twin lift cylinders are mounted at an angle on a spherical bearing to keep the boom centered when rising, thus relieving stress on the entire lifting assembly.

The operator compartment is fully instrumented so the operator can easily see what’s going on with all the systems with the gauges. The cab features a transmission declutch switch that, when engaged, declutches the transmission and allows all of the engine’s horsepower to go to the pump to maximize output for operating attachments. When the operator sets the parking brake, the transmission automatically declutches. At the Equipment Showcase, it was explained that the roomy cab off

Enlarge Image The diesel fuel tank is not only clearly identified but comes with a lockable cap.

ers a total of 17 inches from the dashboard to the operator’s knee to give plenty of room for operator comfort. A 3-inch retractable seat belt is standard, as is the suspension seat.

 

Boom, auxiliary, and fork tilt functions are operated through one pilot-operated, hydraulic-over-hydraulic infinitely proportional joystick. Two rocker switches on the joystick operate fork tilt and auxiliary. The cab features two armrests, one on the operator’s side and an adjustable one on the curb side. Gear and direction change are column-mounted for easy access. The parking brake is spring-applied hydraulically released. The transmission declutches when the operator sets it. Tires on the machine are 14-ply 13x24. The higher ply rating allows a higher 80-psi inflation for more side stability.

 

Available options on the machine include an enclosed cab, heat and air conditioning, defrost, light packages, roadway and boom lights, and beacons. The machine comes standard with a 48-inch fixed carriage, 48-inch pallet forks, and auxiliary hydraulics, and Pettibone allows all attachments that meet the capabilities of the machine. The company does allow work platform attachments.

 

Enlarge Image Main hydraulic components are easily accessed through this lockable swing-away door.

 Lift and Access perspective: The first thing that jumps out at you is the low profile the 744 delivers. Access to the cab is low and it will not wear the operator down getting in and out. It is important to point out that this low profile does not sacrifice ground clearance. Once you sit in the cab and operate the unit, you come to appreciate the exceptional visibility it offers. Easy to see, tight turning radius, low profile and easy to operate add up to what one would describe as a nimble machine.

 

The argument that a side- or pod-mounted engine is more accessible than an in-frame mounted engine carries little validity when you look at the way Pettibone situates its engine and components. Everything on this unit, from the engine to the hydraulics, is easy to access and service. Really, we could only think of one change we would suggest. Although there is a decal next to the diesel fill point, its location is subject to a lot of mud and debris being slung off the rear tire. With time, this decal could become illegible. We would like to see Pettibone and all other OEMs adopt the use of green fuel caps for all diesel applications.

For more information, check out the specifications for the Pettibone 744 Extendo.