Pettibone celebrates material handling machine
Pettibone Traverse/Lift, LLC, a manufacturer of material handling equipment, proudly commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Cary-Lift, hailed as the world’s first forward-reaching, rough-terrain material handler. Invented by Phil LaTendresse in 1949, the Cary-Lift revolutionized material handling with its innovative design, and its legacy continues to thrive under the stewardship of Pettibone.
Initially conceived to address the needs of a local sawmill owner seeking a more efficient method for unloading logs, the Cary-Lift quickly gained recognition for its unparalleled capabilities. Phil LaTendresse, grandson of the inventor and currently serving as Pettibone’s director of engineering and product support, reminisces about the origins of the Cary-Lift. "My grandfather came up with the concept of being able to reach forward with a forklift, which inspired the first prototype Cary-Lift,” he explained. “He built about 13 machines before selling the business to Pettibone Mulliken Corporation."
The Pettibone Cary-Lift boasts several design advantages over traditional material handling equipment, such as wheel loaders. Its unique overhead lift arm design provides operators with full front visibility, enhancing safety and precision on worksites. Additionally, the solid steel body frame enables the Cary-Lift to maneuver sharp turns with full loads without compromising stability, setting it apart as an industry-leading solution for pipe, pole, and log handling.
