The Traverse T944X telehandler, with a maximum lift capacity of 9,000 pounds, has an extendable, traversing boom. The boom moves loads by traveling horizontally, up to 70 inches, to facilitate placing loads at full lift height, through tight openings, without having to coordinate multiple boom functions. The Traverse’s specified lift height of 44.5 feet, says Pettibone, is nearly identical to its 44-foot landing height, contrasting with a conventional, fixed-boom-pivot machine that generally has a true landing height several feet less than the advertised lift height, because operators must account for withdrawing the forks from 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 is powered by a 74-horsepower Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier 4-Final engine that features a DOC muffler and requires no diesel exhaust fluid. The side-pod engine provides easy service access, says Pettibone, while allowing curbside visibility and a ground clearance of 18 inches. A 117-horsepower engine option is available. The drive train and axles have been “optimized” to provide greater tractive effort with minimal tradeoff on top-end speed, says the company, featuring full-time four-wheel drive with limited-slip front axle differential. A tight steer angle provides a turning radius of 14 feet 1 inch. A Dana VDT12000 power-shift transmission provides three speeds forward and reverse.
Hydraulic-cylinder cushioning dampens the end of rod strokes, both extending and retracting, to avoid the wear of hard, jarring stops, while also helping to prevent potentially spilling the load. The new telehandler also uses a single lift cylinder, creating good sight lines, says Pettibone, and has twin hydraulic lines for tilt and auxiliary plumbing. The T944X has newly designed boom that uses formed boom plates that require less welding, provide a structure with greater strength than a four-plate design, while reducing weight. The design also minimizes boom deflection for better control and accuracy when placing loads, says the company.
Boom overlap has been nearly doubled from previous models to provide smoother operation and reduce contact forces on wear pads, extending service life. A bottom-mounted external extend cylinder further reduces the load on wear pads by up to 50 percent. The cylinder location also provides improved service access to internal boom components. A single extension chain eliminates the needs to balance dual chains.
The operator cab retains Pettibone’s ergonomic seat, pedal, joystick and steering wheel positions. A new analog/LCD gauge cluster is standard, and an optional 7-inch digital display with integrated back-up camera is available. The cab also offers enhanced climate control, flat bolt-in glass, split-door design, opening rear window, USB accessory plug, lockable storage under the seat, and water-resistant components to facilitate interior wash-down.
All-steel fuel and hydraulic tanks are designed to resist damage. Other features include non-tensioned boom hoses, split-system electrical circuit panels, a 12-volt accessory plug in the engine bay, and heavy-duty LED lighting. Options include a sling hook for additional load security and a range of attachments.
