Pneumatic vs Cushion Tire Forklift Buying Guide: Cost & Considerations
Last Updated: July 26, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Summary: Pneumatic vs Cushion Tire Forklift Cost #
Expect to pay between $30,000 and $70,000 for a new pneumatic tire forklift. A used forklift will generally save you about half, costing between $10,000 and $40,000.
For new cushion tire forklifts, prices typically range from approximately $20,000 to $80,000 or more. Opting for a used cushion tire forklift can significantly reduce costs, with prices generally starting at around $10,000 and going up to $60,000 or more.
Forklifts are often categorized by tire type, with cushion, pneumatic, and rough terrain being the most common. The tire type of your forklift is important; it directly affects the type of work you will be able to do, as well as the environments in which you can work.
Pneumatic tires offer the ability to work both indoors and outdoors, making them perfect for warehouses and outdoor applications alike.
However, it is important that you consider exactly what you will use your forklift for and that you do the proper research into tire type before making any final decisions. Gain insights into forklift pricing by exploring our in-depth resource: Understanding New and Used Forklift Prices
How Much Does a Pneumatic Tire Forklift Cost? #
Various factors impact the total cost of your pneumatic tire forklift, including location, manufacturer, model, and vendor. Any additional accessories or safety features and the power type of the forklift also affect the final cost of the unit. That being said, the following price estimates offer a general idea of what you can expect to pay for a pneumatic tire forklift:
| Brand and Model | Average Cost (New) | Average Cost (Used) |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota 8-Series Pneumatic Tire Forklifts | $30,000 - $45,000 | $12,000 - $25,000 |
| Hyster S155FT Pneumatic Tire Forklift | $50,000 - $60,000 | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Cat Lift Trucks DP70N Pneumatic Tire Forklift | $55,000 - $70,000 | $20,000 - $40,000 |
| Komatsu FG25T Pneumatic Tire Forklift | $28,000 - $38,000 | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Yale GLP050 Pneumatic Tire Forklift | $28,000 - $40,000 | $10,000 - $20,000 |
Used models are available, which can drastically reduce your price - typically by around half. The unit's age and number of operating hours play a large role in determining price.
It is important to ensure that the machine is in proper working order and to discuss any available service packages or warranties for the used forklift.
CostOwl.com note: Need a forklift at an affordable price? Fill out the 30 second questionnaire below and our forklift partners will send you free price quotes.
How Much Does a Cushion Tire Forklift Cost? #
The price of a cushion tire forklift varies depending on your location, as well as the manufacturer, model, and vendor you select. The power type and safety features will also play a role in determining the final cost. Here is a general guide as to what you can expect to pay for a cushion tire forklift:
New Cushion Tire Forklifts:
| Brand/Model | Lift Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota 8FGCU25 | ~5,000 lbs | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Hyster S50FT | ~5,000 lbs | $30,000 - $50,000 |
| Crown SC Series | Varies | $30,000 - $80,000+ |
| Yale GC050 | ~5,000 lbs | $20,000 - $40,000 |
| Komatsu FG15T | ~3,000 lbs | $25,000 - $35,000 |
You can also consider purchasing a used cushion tire forklift. Often, purchasing a used model can cut the price in half.
If you decide to purchase a used model, make sure to discuss any warranty or service options that are available, just in case.
Used Cushion Tire Forklifts:
| Brand/Model | Lift Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota 8FGCU25 | ~5,000 lbs | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Hyster S50FT | ~5,000 lbs | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Crown SC Series | Varies | $30,000 - $60,000+ |
| Yale GC050 | ~5,000 lbs | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Komatsu FG15T | ~3,000 lbs | $18,000 - $25,000 |
What is a Pneumatic Tire? #
Pneumatic tires are similar to the tires on your car, in that they are typically filled with air. While they can be used both indoors and outdoors, pneumatic tires are primarily used in outdoor applications due to their increased length and width.
The two types of pneumatic tire are air pneumatic tires and solid pneumatic tires. Air-filled tires can be used for a variety of purposes, but it should be noted that they can be punctured, so you need to make sure that the area of operation is clear of debris. They can also make for a bumpier ride than solid tires, so some users foam-fill their air tires to ensure smoother operating.
Solid pneumatic tires are exactly what they sound like: 100 percent, solid rubber tires. They tend to be more expensive, as the solid rubber does not pop or puncture like their air-filled counterparts. These tires are ideal for outdoor applications (though, again, they can be used indoors) such as hauling loads through lumber or scrap yards, where puncture hazards may be a concern.
Advantages of a Pneumatic Tire Forklift #
Pneumatic tires offer a variety of advantages for the user, such as higher clearance than other tire types, as forklifts built for use with pneumatic tires tend to have a larger chassis and higher clearance than cushion tire models.
Most pneumatic tire forklifts offer more efficient refueling, because the majority of them are powered by an internal combustion engine. Rather than having downtime to recharge a battery, all you need to do is pump some gas or switch out the propane.
This tire style also offers a smoother ride and superior traction, with increased mobility in outdoor applications.
What Are Cushion Tires? #
Ideal for indoor applications, cushion tires are more stable than pneumatic tires and tend to be less expensive. They are made of solid rubber and pressed on, as opposed to put on. While the press on method makes the tires less suitable for rough use, their solid rubber construction requires little maintenance and keeps them from being punctured.
Additionally, though cushion tires are traditionally used indoors and provide inferior shock absorption when compared to pneumatic tires, that factor has improved in recent years. There are cushion tire designs available that feature aperture holes and ridges that allow the solid rubber to bend and flex, increasing the shock absorption and traction in dirt. Still, cushion tires are generally used in indoor applications.
More specifics on the tire type can be selected once it has been determined that cushion tires are the correct choice for you. Basic tire options include treaded or non-treaded, but you will also need to consider whether or not you need non-marking tires.
Some industries or environments require that non-marking tires be used, while others may not care at all. The main drawback to non-marking tires is that they have a shorter lifespan than other cushion tires, but they may be a necessity depending on the job and floor type.
Advantages of Cushion Tire Forklifts #
There are several advantages that cushion tire forklifts have over other types of tires.
Cushion tires are more cost effective than their pneumatic tire counterparts, since they require less materials to manufacturer and tend to come at a lower initial cost.
Couple this with the fact that virtually no maintenance is required (and the fact that you rarely have to change them out) and you're looking at a far lower cost in comparison to pneumatic tires.
Cushion tires are also superior when it comes to indoor and smooth surface applications, as that is specifically what they are designed for. The extra rubber used in manufacturing also allows for a longer surface life.
In addition to this, cushion tire forklifts offer higher maneuverability than their competitors, as cushion tires have lower ground clearance and are able to fit a smaller frame. In a warehouse setting, smaller forklifts can be ideal and allow you to navigate narrow aisles and keep your racking close.