A forklift is provided for the handling of pneumatic tires each having a central cavity and a transponder. A gripping device is configured to engage one or more pneumatic tires. A reader device comprises an antenna and is configured to communicate with transponders of the one or more pneumatic tires. A displacement unit supports at least the antenna of the reader device and is configured to move the antenna between a waiting position, wherein the antenna is arranged at a certain distance from the one or more pneumatic tires engaged by the gripping device, and a working position, wherein the antenna is arranged in close proximity to the one or more pneumatic tires engaged by the gripping device and communication is enabled with respective transponders thereof.