Tire Changers – A comprehensive study
Do we need tire changers? All of us at some point in our driving experience have been faced with this dilemma. Where and how do we change or replace a tire on a vehicle when it becomes damaged.
What is a Tire Changer?
Some of us prefer going the self-sufficient way and do it ourselves. However the majority looks around to check if there is a local auto garage that can help them with this tiresome work. Whichever way you decide to do it, keep in mind that a piece of equipment made to do it with precision will make the process a lot more reliable and easier. Tire Changers or Tire Mounters as they are sometimes referred to are a piece of equipment that helps the technicians mount and dismount tires with wheels.
What are the different types of Tire Changers available?
There are different types of Tire Changers suited to the needs of different automobiles. What most of us would have heard about of or seen in action are the ones used for Passenger cars or Light Trucks.
Then there are the Motorcycle Tire changers. They are less sophisticated than the passenger car one as they have to deal with lighter and cheap mud tires. They can work on a tire size as small as ten inches, 10″, in diameter and one& half inch, 1-1/2″ wide.
We then have the Heavy duty Tire changers for the bigger trucks, farm and construction equipment. They can hold tires as big as ninety five inches, 95″ in diameter and up to fifty eight, 58″ wide.
New age technology also helps these technicians to change low profile tires as well as run-flat tires. Run flat tires are those tires that run for a fixed distance even after a puncture or deflation. They work on one of the following technologies – self-sealing, self-supporting or auxiliary supported.
Internal mechanism of Tire Changers
Most of the machines today are Stand-up machines that are hydraulically powered. They assist the technicians in removing the tire from the rim and replacing it. They are electrically or pneumatically powered.
The entire process of tire changing is built into these machines and thus they help reduce the energy and time expended. These are relatively compact machines that conserve the shop space. Technology has certainly made the new tire changers more efficient and reliable than their earlier manual counterparts.
Closer Inspection at the various parts:
Bead Breaker or the Bead Loosening System: It is usually found on the right side on the machine when you stand facing it. Basically, in this a shovel shaped metal releases the tire bead from the rim. There are some square shaped rubber brackets that protect the wheel from scratches.- Turntable or Table top and rim clamps:It is located at the top of the base of the machine and is low enough so that the work can be done
easily. The four rim clamps hold the tire in place. The table as the name suggests can turned and moved with the help of foot pedals provided. - The Pry Bar and the Tool Arm or the Mount/Dismount mechanism: Once the wheel has been clamped down, we use the tool arm with the duck head to pry the bead from the wheel. The bottom bead is also removed in the same way.
Foot Pedals: as simple as it sounds, this is the trickiest part of the machine. There are three or four foot pedals that are usually found in the bottom front of the machine. It is like learning to drive. Understanding which pedal drives which part and then coordination. But they are provided with safety measures like automatic shut off system that prevents any damage from happening just in case we miss a step in that well coordinated procedure
.- Air Inflator or Air Pressure System: This helps to inflate the tires. Again a foot pedal is used to activate this. this is the last step in the process. Again we have to be very cautious here as the tire beads setting against the wheel can be loud and dangerous.
Which Tire Changer to pick?
There are several choices in the market – both manual and hydraulic. If you are planning on buying one, ultimately the brand decision is yours. What we can do is help by giving some specifications and reviews and help you on your way!
- United Products TC-540 Tire Changer: They promise an easier operation in this commercial Grade Tire Changer. They also give a very comprehensive rim protection. It has a space saving design and the moving parts like foot pedals have been made sturdier. Other models are TC – 1202, TC – 2091, TC – 2097. The price can vary between a 1095$ to 2,295$ depending on the model.
- Atlas Tire Changers: The TC 221 model is ideal for a small garage or motorcycle. They are manufactured in in a ISO:9001 certified plant. They claim to offer the same features at a lower cost than the big Brands. Atlas TC755DA can be used by bigger dealers and Atlas TTC303 is ideal for the heavy duty trucks. Their prices range from 995$ to 7,995 $
- Ranger Tire Changers: They claim that with their dual pneumatic power assistant, they can flex even the stiffest sidewalls. It also has a power taper roller that ensures easy bead protection and mounting. It has a reversible turntable, Adjustable tool bar, a powerful jet blast inflation system and is made of a durable 12 gauge steel body. Its price ranges from 1,500$ to 6,300$
- Workhorse Tire Changers: These are high quality, moderately priced tire changers. They have tire changers that range from motorcycle to ones that can handle tires of diameters around forty eight inches, 48″. They also have low profile tire changers and their price ranges from 1,300$ to 4,800$.
- Corghi Tire Changers: They are one of the top players in this business. They are world’s biggest producers of wheel service equipment and have been in business for around 50 years. They claim to be great in the customer service department as well. Along with free shipping like most of the tire changer manufacturers, they also provide free set up and on-site training. Their prices range from 5,000$ to 25,000$.