Buying a forklift pneumatic

Written by Meg G.

If your business needs a forklift that can operate on crushed concrete, loose gravel, or stabilized limestone surfaces, a forklift with pneumatic tires is probably your best bet. Pneumatic forklifts are not recommended for surfaces such as dirt or mud. Here’s what you need to know when shopping for a pneumatic forklift.

Pneumatic forklift capacities

When purchasing a pneumatic forklift, start by deciding what capacity you need. Capacity is determined by how much your largest load will weigh. An internal combustion pneumatic forklift will boast a capacity of between 3,000 to 100,000-plus pounds, but 5,000 to 10,000 lb capacities are the most common. Also make sure the lifts your investigate can reach as high as you need.

Power source

Electric forklifts are popular for indoor use, but most pneumatic forklifts are used outdoors, where electric forklifts are simply not an option. Internal combustion engines give pneumatic forklifts more power, as well as enabling them to travel faster over long distances and will have the capacity to handle heavier loads.

Can I update my solid-tire forklift with pneumatic tires?

If you realize that you need a pneumatic forklift, you may be tempted to simply put pneumatic tires on your solid-tire forklift. Don’t! The typical solid-tire forklift will not work with pneumatic tires; this is due to frame differences between the two types of forklifts. However, there are manufacturers out there that design a forklift that accepts both tires.

Ongoing maintenance

Routine maintenance and upkeep is essential to getting the most value out of any forklift, especially those that get abused being driven on rough terrain. Your maintenance team will determine how much support you need from the dealer: if you have mechanics on staff who can handle basic maintenance like oil changes and replacing belts and hoses, you may only need the assurance of the dealer for major repairs. On the other hand you may want a dealer who can handle regular maintenance duties for you. Be sure to ask about service policies as you compare dealers to make sure you’ll be able to get the support you need.

Knowing exactly what you need from your pneumatic forklift will help you make a wise purchasing decision. Know what type of terrain you will be working on, the heaviest load you will need to haul, and your maintenance requirements before starting to gather price quotes. This will help you compare products that are similar, rather than comparing prices across equipment with varying features.

Once you have that data, submit a free request for forklift price quotes and we’ll match you reputable dealers in your area.

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