10 hours ago
Lull’s Origins and the Birth of the Reach Forklift
Lull Manufacturing, founded in Minnesota in the mid-20th century, was one of the earliest innovators in telescopic material handlers. Before the term “telehandler” became industry standard, Lull machines were already redefining how materials were lifted, extended, and placed on construction sites. Their signature feature—a pivoting boom with horizontal reach adjustment—set them apart from conventional forklifts and cranes.
The earliest Lull models were built with simplicity and brute strength. Powered by gasoline or early diesel engines, they featured mechanical linkages, chain-driven lift systems, and open cabs with minimal operator protection. These machines were designed for framing crews, masonry contractors, and anyone needing to place loads at height without the bulk of a crane.
Terminology Notes
The oldest Lull machines were built with a focus on mechanical reliability and field serviceability. Key features included:
A framing crew in Ohio recalled using a 1960s-era Lull to place roof trusses on a two-story house. The machine had no seatbelt, no backup alarm, and no hydraulic cushioning. Yet it ran every day, powered by a carbureted engine and a transmission that required double-clutching to shift.
Challenges in Restoration and Operation
Restoring an early Lull telehandler presents unique challenges:
Preservation and Historical Interest
Vintage Lull machines have gained attention among equipment collectors and construction historians. Their unique boom design and role in mid-century building techniques make them valuable artifacts. Some are displayed at equipment museums, while others are kept operational on private properties for light-duty lifting.
A retired contractor in Vermont restored a 1950s Lull with original paint and decals. He uses it to lift firewood bundles and occasionally demonstrates it at local fairs. “It’s loud, it’s slow, and it’s got soul,” he said. “You don’t drive it—you negotiate with it.”
Recommendations for Owners and Enthusiasts
Conclusion
The oldest Lull telehandlers are more than machines—they’re mechanical time capsules from an era when innovation was driven by necessity and field ingenuity. Their horizontal boom traverse, rugged frames, and minimalist controls reflect a design philosophy rooted in practicality. Whether preserved for history or still lifting loads, these machines remind us that progress in construction was built one lever pull at a time. In the lineage of lifting, Lull was a pioneer—and its earliest models still whisper stories of framing crews, dusty job sites, and the dawn of reach.
Lull Manufacturing, founded in Minnesota in the mid-20th century, was one of the earliest innovators in telescopic material handlers. Before the term “telehandler” became industry standard, Lull machines were already redefining how materials were lifted, extended, and placed on construction sites. Their signature feature—a pivoting boom with horizontal reach adjustment—set them apart from conventional forklifts and cranes.
The earliest Lull models were built with simplicity and brute strength. Powered by gasoline or early diesel engines, they featured mechanical linkages, chain-driven lift systems, and open cabs with minimal operator protection. These machines were designed for framing crews, masonry contractors, and anyone needing to place loads at height without the bulk of a crane.
Terminology Notes
- Telehandler: A telescopic handler capable of lifting and placing loads at height and distance, often fitted with forks, buckets, or platforms.
- Horizontal Boom Traverse: A mechanism allowing the boom to move forward and backward without changing elevation, unique to early Lull designs.
- Outriggers: Extendable supports used to stabilize the machine during lifting operations.
The oldest Lull machines were built with a focus on mechanical reliability and field serviceability. Key features included:
- Chain-driven vertical lift with manual or hydraulic extension
- Pivoting boom with horizontal reach control via rack-and-pinion or hydraulic slide
- Manual transmission with gear levers mounted directly to the floor
- Mechanical steering with large-diameter wheels for rough terrain
- Open operator station with analog gauges and lever controls
A framing crew in Ohio recalled using a 1960s-era Lull to place roof trusses on a two-story house. The machine had no seatbelt, no backup alarm, and no hydraulic cushioning. Yet it ran every day, powered by a carbureted engine and a transmission that required double-clutching to shift.
Challenges in Restoration and Operation
Restoring an early Lull telehandler presents unique challenges:
- Obsolete parts including gearboxes, hydraulic valves, and boom components
- Lack of documentation or service manuals for pre-1970s models
- Safety compliance issues for modern job sites
- Difficulty sourcing tires, chains, and bushings in original dimensions
- Boom drift due to worn slide rails or hydraulic seals
- Steering play from worn linkages and bushings
- Brake fade from outdated drum systems
- Engine overheating due to clogged radiators or worn water pumps
Preservation and Historical Interest
Vintage Lull machines have gained attention among equipment collectors and construction historians. Their unique boom design and role in mid-century building techniques make them valuable artifacts. Some are displayed at equipment museums, while others are kept operational on private properties for light-duty lifting.
A retired contractor in Vermont restored a 1950s Lull with original paint and decals. He uses it to lift firewood bundles and occasionally demonstrates it at local fairs. “It’s loud, it’s slow, and it’s got soul,” he said. “You don’t drive it—you negotiate with it.”
Recommendations for Owners and Enthusiasts
- Document serial numbers and casting marks for parts sourcing
- Use high-zinc engine oil to protect flat tappet camshafts
- Replace hydraulic fluid with modern equivalents rated for older seals
- Install rollover protection and seatbelts if operating near others
- Keep spare chains, bushings, and filters in stock for field repairs
Conclusion
The oldest Lull telehandlers are more than machines—they’re mechanical time capsules from an era when innovation was driven by necessity and field ingenuity. Their horizontal boom traverse, rugged frames, and minimalist controls reflect a design philosophy rooted in practicality. Whether preserved for history or still lifting loads, these machines remind us that progress in construction was built one lever pull at a time. In the lineage of lifting, Lull was a pioneer—and its earliest models still whisper stories of framing crews, dusty job sites, and the dawn of reach.
