Types of Tire Changers
Like all pieces of equipment in your auto body shop or garage, tire changers should suit your particular needs. The machines have various designs with different features to support the types and sizes of tires in the shop. Here are six of the most common styles of tire changers.
1. Swing Arm
A swing arm tire changing machine can handle the toughest jobs thanks to its adjustable tabletop. Swing arms can take on a broader clamping range, making it easier to use than other options. With four tabletop jaws, the device allows you to adjust all four at the same time to limit any mistakes. The hi-grip jaw covers deliver mounting torque to protect the wheels, too.
However, technicians must unscrew the machine’s head to fit different sizes of tires. While it may take a bit more time to adhere to various tire sizes, swing arm tire changers remain at the top of the list for efficiency. They can handle high-volume changes and are a popular solution because they’re affordable and straightforward to operate.
2. Tilt Back
Equipped with a tower that can angle back to fit large tires, the tilt back machine can then move back into place with ease. It’s famous for being practical and delivering fast operations. But while it’s easier to use, it’s also a bit more expensive compared to swing arm versions.
The tire changer tilts back so you can add larger tires, making it easier than screwing and unscrewing the head. It doesn’t require adjustable attachments and bases and can be a safer solution, ensuring top-notch work each time. In this case, it’s a great investment if your crew is less experienced with tire changers.
3. Leverless
Also known as touchless tire changers, leverless devices are excellent alternatives if you often change low-profile, run flat tires. Although they require training, leverless changers deliver extreme levels of efficiency and adaptability for future innovations. The machines lift and set up heavy tire rims without manual help from operators, eliminating the need for your workers to bend down each time.
Touchless tire changers are a vast investment, but for the efficiency you receive, they are at the forefront of tire changing technology. The equipment performs work on its own and is ideal for more skilled workers that have developed training.
4. Manual
As you can guess, manual machines need more effort from your crew members. If you are a large shop that specializes in tire changes and repairs, your go-to should be one of hydraulic nature. Manual tire changers are ideal for small garages and shops because they are more practical for occasional tire services. They are also the most economical solution. While they require physical help from you and your team, they take out all the hard work of doing it solo.
5. Heavy-duty
When it comes to larger tires, you need the proper tool to handle their size and weight. Heavy-duty tire changers work well for off-road, agricultural and construction vehicles that have wheels up to 56 inches in diameter and tires up to 90.5 inches that are 43 inches wide. Additionally, even larger versions can work with tires up to 95 inches. They mount and dismount the wheel, featuring a hydraulic, self-centering four jaw chuck. The advanced options have clamping jaws that can work with 14 inches to 58 inches from the center bore, or either side of the wheel’s inside.
6. Motorcycle
Motorcycles have smaller and lighter tires compared to a heavy-duty, passenger car or a light truck. Tire changers for motorcycles have no reason to be more advanced than their counterparts because the machines deal with lighter wheels. With a bead loosening system and manually worked rim clamps, motorcycle changers can accommodate wheels ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches and 10 inches wide as well as ATV tires.
