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Pettibone’s Legacy in Material Handling
Founded in the early 1880s, Pettibone has long been a name associated with rugged, purpose-built machinery for rail, forestry, and construction. By the 1970s and 1980s, the company had carved out a niche in rough terrain forklifts, particularly with its Super 6 and Super 8 models. These machines were designed to operate in environments where conventional forklifts would fail—uneven ground, mud, gravel, and job sites with limited maneuvering space.
The Super 6 and Super 8 were part of Pettibone’s broader push to dominate the rough terrain market, competing with brands like Gradall, JLG, and SkyTrak. Their reputation was built on simplicity, mechanical reliability, and brute strength. While exact production numbers are hard to verify, thousands of units were sold across North America, many still in operation today.
Core Specifications and Design Philosophy
The Super 6 and Super 8 were named for their approximate lift capacities:
Terminology Notes
Operators praised the Super 6 and Super 8 for their ability to handle heavy loads in muddy or rocky conditions. The machines were often used in:
A Story from the Iron Belt
In 1996, a steel fabrication yard in Ohio relied on a Pettibone Super 8 to move 40-foot I-beams across gravel lots. The machine operated year-round, including snowy winters and muddy spring thaws. After 12,000 hours, the original engine was rebuilt, and the mast cylinders were repacked. The owner noted that “it never asked for much, just grease and diesel.” That unit remained in service until 2012, when it was replaced by a newer telehandler—but the Super 8 was kept as a backup.
Maintenance and Upgrade Recommendations
To keep older Super 6 and Super 8 units running smoothly:
Parts Availability and Restoration Tips
While Pettibone no longer manufactures the Super 6 and Super 8, parts are still available through aftermarket suppliers and salvage yards. Key components like hydraulic cylinders, mast chains, and steering knuckles are shared across multiple models.
Restoration tips:
Final Thoughts
The Pettibone Super 6 and Super 8 represent a bygone era of heavy equipment—machines built with steel, sweat, and straightforward engineering. While modern telehandlers offer more features and comfort, these classics continue to earn their keep in yards and job sites across North America. Their legacy is not just in the loads they lifted, but in the trust they built with operators who knew that when the terrain got rough, Pettibone would keep moving.
Founded in the early 1880s, Pettibone has long been a name associated with rugged, purpose-built machinery for rail, forestry, and construction. By the 1970s and 1980s, the company had carved out a niche in rough terrain forklifts, particularly with its Super 6 and Super 8 models. These machines were designed to operate in environments where conventional forklifts would fail—uneven ground, mud, gravel, and job sites with limited maneuvering space.
The Super 6 and Super 8 were part of Pettibone’s broader push to dominate the rough terrain market, competing with brands like Gradall, JLG, and SkyTrak. Their reputation was built on simplicity, mechanical reliability, and brute strength. While exact production numbers are hard to verify, thousands of units were sold across North America, many still in operation today.
Core Specifications and Design Philosophy
The Super 6 and Super 8 were named for their approximate lift capacities:
- Super 6: 6,000 lbs rated lift
- Super 8: 8,000 lbs rated lift
- Diesel engines, typically from Cummins or Perkins
- 4WD with planetary axles for traction
- Articulated steering or frame oscillation depending on variant
- Mast lift heights ranging from 12 to 22 feet
- Side-shift and tilt carriage options
Terminology Notes
- Rough terrain forklift: A forklift designed for outdoor use on uneven surfaces, often equipped with large tires and 4WD.
- Articulated steering: A steering system where the frame pivots in the middle, improving maneuverability.
- Oscillating axle: An axle that pivots to maintain ground contact on uneven terrain.
- Side-shift carriage: A feature that allows the forks to move laterally for precise load placement.
Operators praised the Super 6 and Super 8 for their ability to handle heavy loads in muddy or rocky conditions. The machines were often used in:
- Pipe yards and oilfield logistics
- Lumber mills and timber operations
- Construction sites with poor access
- Rail maintenance and tie handling
- Limited visibility due to mast design
- No cab suspension, leading to operator fatigue
- Basic hydraulic controls lacking fine modulation
- High fuel consumption compared to modern telehandlers
A Story from the Iron Belt
In 1996, a steel fabrication yard in Ohio relied on a Pettibone Super 8 to move 40-foot I-beams across gravel lots. The machine operated year-round, including snowy winters and muddy spring thaws. After 12,000 hours, the original engine was rebuilt, and the mast cylinders were repacked. The owner noted that “it never asked for much, just grease and diesel.” That unit remained in service until 2012, when it was replaced by a newer telehandler—but the Super 8 was kept as a backup.
Maintenance and Upgrade Recommendations
To keep older Super 6 and Super 8 units running smoothly:
- Change hydraulic fluid every 500 hours
- Inspect mast chains and rollers monthly
- Grease pivot points and steering knuckles weekly
- Replace fuel filters every 250 hours
- Monitor tire pressure and wear, especially on foam-filled tires
- LED lighting for improved visibility
- Enclosed cab retrofit with heater for cold climates
- Hydraulic flow restrictors for smoother control
- Seat suspension kits to reduce operator fatigue
Parts Availability and Restoration Tips
While Pettibone no longer manufactures the Super 6 and Super 8, parts are still available through aftermarket suppliers and salvage yards. Key components like hydraulic cylinders, mast chains, and steering knuckles are shared across multiple models.
Restoration tips:
- Use original service manuals for torque specs and hydraulic diagrams
- Replace all rubber seals and hoses during rebuild
- Test lift cylinders under load before reassembly
- Sandblast and repaint frame to prevent corrosion
- Upgrade electrical harnesses with modern connectors
Final Thoughts
The Pettibone Super 6 and Super 8 represent a bygone era of heavy equipment—machines built with steel, sweat, and straightforward engineering. While modern telehandlers offer more features and comfort, these classics continue to earn their keep in yards and job sites across North America. Their legacy is not just in the loads they lifted, but in the trust they built with operators who knew that when the terrain got rough, Pettibone would keep moving.
