Thanks for all the responses. I flew to S. California for a couple of days and looked around at all the used pneumatics that were available. It may have been a mistake but the 2005 Toyota 7FGCU15 with only 24 hours on it was so much nicer than anything else available, especially for my purposes. We need it primarily indoors in new warehouse door installations. So it being easy to haul around is an important aspect. I have a hard packed flat gravel driveway at our shop and we will use it there occasionally but if it gives me too much trouble I will just concrete it. I was a little concerned about getting it off and on the trailer but after seeing it drive right up a tilt trailer truck without any problems I think we will have that covered. Also this little lift is easy to pull out of the holes. At least I probably won't have to worry about major repairs for a while. By the way I did come across some fat heavily treaded replacement tires which the salesmen claims does improve traction on rough surfaces while I was over there. Again thanks for all the responses, hope I don't end up kicking myself.

I would like to add a bit to Mr. Williams response:

1. Another factor to consider is what type aof gravel are you talking about - new loose packed or hard packed coated with "crush & run". An industrial type pneumatic is not well suited on loose gravel - the tires have over 100 psi if air type & solid molded tires come in a variety of duromter ratings - the higher the harder. So the gripping capability is limited. The best gripping tire is a tire form from rubber - bu they wear out faster and a bit more expensive - ask any Linde dealer about that. But inproved tractive effort is the trade off.

2. Is your operation basically level or does it have incline greter than 5%? Height of incline divided by length of the grade. Live in northern Georgia and inclines are often an issue. They only level spot you find here is in a "pool hall".

3. If the hard pack gravel - during the "monsoon" seasons or in the "frozen" northern part of the USA - (spring thaw issues), an industrial pneumatic ain't going to work too well either. A rough terrain forklift maybe better suited - as it is much longer and wider the weight distribution is much better = lower foot print loading on the tires & larger diameter tires. Remeber that an insdustrial fork lift has 60- 65% of the GVW on the smaler rear axle tires when running empty - which is at least 50% of the time. This is when getting mirred down in the gravel is the greatest - especially when the unit is turned.

4. If you decide on an industrial pneuamtic try to get the widest tread tire economically possible or dual drive tire - you will be happier.

5. That guy with the Toyota cushion - had one and wanted your $$$ and was will to tell you anything to get it. "Caviat Empter" (SIC)

Paul......DON'T EVEN CONSIDER A CUSHION TIRE TRUCK for outside use, particularly in gravel. If you like the Toyota consider a 7FGU15. Like Ben said, find a good used Toyota, perhaps a 5FG15 which is an excellent truck.

Good luck in your search for a quality pneumatic tire truck

Hi Paul,
I agree with everything the last two respondants said- the Toyota 7FGCU15 is a terrific truck, but NOT suited for running in gravel. In case you don't know, changing the tires to pneumatic on this frame is not possible- a pneumatic truck frame has not only a higher ground clearance, but also the counterweight is moved rearward for improved counterbalance and stability on a yard surface. What you would need to look for is the pneumatic version of that unit; a 7FGU15- same set-up, look, engine, etc...but made for what you do. Your local Toyota dealer should have a trained professional that could look at your application and recommend a nice "certified used" Toyota unit that comes with an excellent factory warranty.

Hi Paul,
I don't recommend a cushion lift for anything other than concrete
or asphalt type surface.Cushion lifts are much easier to come by,
and also tend to be less expensive.That said,they are designed for
hard surface use only,and not suited for outdoor areas such as
gravel,crushed stone ect.You would need a Class V-pneumatic machine,for a gravel type surface,and general outdoor usage.
It is true that pneumatic trucks are harder to come by,but that
doesn't mean it's mission impossible either.If you are not sure
what type of truck you have a deal on,send me the serial number
of the machine,and I'll check it out for you.It is true also,that
ground clearance is different on pneumatics,but also keep in
mind,that pneumatics are also longer,and wider than a conventional cushion tire lifts.That again,is another reason they
are primarily used outdoors.Cushions and pnematics can lift
the same capacities,no problem!If the truck you are thinking of
buying is a pnematic with solid tires,that is something that you
can work with,as you can change over to air or foam tires as well.But,if the machine is a cushion,it won't operate safely,or
productively on gravel.Please let me know,if you need any other
info?
Best Regards,
Bill Williams-V.P.
Industrial Truck Solutions

The cushion tire truck WILL NOT go in the gravel. There is essentially no difference in construction between a cushion and a pneumatic. If you get in any loose gravel whatsoever, you will just spin. Not to even mention adverse weather. Be warned, pneumatic forklifts are not easy to come across these days. Expect to pay a premium. don't conuse "traction" cushion tires for the grip of a solid pneumatic tire.