Pettibone Cary-Lift 254i

Mon May 19, 2025
Pettibone

Pettibone offers the Cary-Lift 254i in its line of pipe, pole and log handlers.

Purpose-built to deliver numerous safety and performance benefits, the Cary-Lift is adept at moving and placing loads in tight stock yards.

The Cary-Lift 254i features a unique overhead lift arm design, giving the operator full front visibility when lifting or transporting loads — a sharp contrast to the lift arms on wheel loaders, which are located directly in front of the vehicle. In addition, Cary-Lift forks are capable of tilting down 90 degrees for specialized lifting tasks, according to Pettibone.

The 254i is powered by a 225-hp. Cummins QSB6.7 Tier IV diesel engine with DOC and SCR aftertreatment. The unit includes an engine-driven fan, cooling package and engine block heater as standard equipment.

The machine provides a maximum load capacity of 25,000 lbs and max lift height of 16 ft. Offering 4-wheel drive with 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab hydraulic power steering modes — and with the wheelbase limited to just 12 ft. — the 254i can achieve a turning radius of 23 ft., 6 in., according to Pettibone.

Unlike forward-reaching articulated loaders, the Cary-Lift's solid steel frame design allows it to take full loads into sharp turns without sacrificing load capacity or stability. Hydraulic frame sway control and side shift capabilities further stabilize loads by leveling the lifting frame when driving on uneven ground, according to Pettibone. The sway cylinder moves seven degrees both right and left of center.

A standard feature for the Cary-Lift 254i is X-Command, a Pettibone telematics program that offers real-time access to machine data, saving time, money and hassle for equipment owners and maintenance technicians, according to Pettibone.

A sliding door offers quick access to the comfortable operator cab, which includes a tilt/telescopic steering column and a swiveling, adjustable suspension seat with seat belt, padded armrests and lumbar support. Dual joysticks provide controls to efficiently shift gears and control the hydraulics. Large tinted safety glass windows and a rear-view camera with 7-in. display are standard.

A quick attach system increases the machine's versatility, with fork frames, pipe and pole baler, log baler and scrap baler all available as attachments.

For more information, visit www.pettibone.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.