A pneumatic force-generating device, for example, a pneumatic cylinder for balancing the ram weight on a press, is provided with an impact or catching device having an impact plate (24) for catching the piston (18) upon discharge of the weight. The deformable impact plate (24) is securely clamped along its edge or held by a clamping device (31), that permits a controlled slipping through. The impacting piston (18) deforms the impact plate (24) to absorb the kinetic energy produced if this piston is released as a result of damage and is accelerated by the existing gas bolster and thrown against the impact plate (24).