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When it comes to the market for tire changers, you’ll find that there are a number of different options available. Each brand is competing for its own slice of market share and emerges as the best tire changer for customers.
However, it can be difficult for auto shop owners or other buyers to assess which tire changers are a good option. Hence, to put you out of this misery, we have put together this guide to help you decide on the right tire changer machine for your auto repair shop or personal use.
So without further ado, let’s jump straight into the guide, and let’s get going!
Understanding The Different Types of Tire Changers
Before we can start working on the different purchase factors you need to look at before buying a tire changer, let’s look at the different types.
Swing Arm Tire Changer
The swingarm tire changer is typically the most cost-effective tire changer you can get, and is categorized as “semi-automatic.”
The reason for this is that with a swing arm tire changer, you will need to manually tighten the screw in order to secure the arm in its position.
In addition to ensuring that it is the ideal size for the wheel that will be replaced, you should adjust the swing arm tire changer so that it fits precisely.
However, the swing arm tire changer does come with a tool that allows you to replace tires quickly and easily.
The tool head has endless positioning, so you may adapt it to fit almost any tire. The Ranger R980AT, the Corghi A9824TI, and the Hofmann Monty 1625 are three excellent models of swing arm tire changers that come highly recommended by us.
The swing arm tire changer has the capacity to work with larger tires (Up to 50 inches in diameter).
However, the technician would need to modify a swing arm tire changer each time to ensure a proper fit with the rim; failing to do so could cause the tire to get damaged.
When the company routinely deals with tires of the same size, having this kind of tire changer on hand is quite useful.
If they are, then the location of the tool head does not need to be adjusted after each use. A knowledgeable mechanic will be able to change a large number of tires in a very short period of time.
If you are going to open a shop, we strongly suggest that you invest in a swing arm tire changer. In addition, if you intend to use it for a specific tire size. In this manner, you won’t need to keep constantly switching out the tool head whenever you work.
Tilt Back Tire Changer
As opposed to the swing arm tire changer, the tilt back tire changer has a significantly higher price tag, which is the first thing you will notice about this equipment. It’s got a swing arm.
In most cases, the cost of the tilt back tire changers will be anywhere between one and a half and two times that of the swingarm.
Despite this, you will have more room for larger tires. In addition to this, you may make the adjustments much more quickly by using the automated tilt back option, which, with the push of a button, makes the adjustments necessary to perfectly suit the size of the tire.
The Ranger R76LT, the Corghi A2024TI, and the Hofmann Monty 3550EM are just a few examples of tilt back tire changers that come highly recommended by our team.
When it comes to changing tires, the tilt back tire changer is the tool that we almost always recommend. It’s possible that the price will be more, but it will be a lot simpler to operate. If you are not so experienced, you will have a lower danger of harming the tires, which is another advantage.
Hence, a tilt back tire changer is also an excellent choice for auto shops while exploring different tire and wheel combos.
Touchless Tire Machine / Leverless Tire Changer
Leverless tire changers are believed to be risk-free, as they considerably lessen the likelihood that your wheels will be damaged when you are changing the tires on them. This is also a durable tire changer.
They are designed to make changing run-flat tires and UHP tires, which stand for ultra-high performance tires, considerably simpler for technicians than the tire changers that they are designed to replace.
When you buy one of these tire changers, the vast majority of the manufacturers will also provide instructions on how to use it, despite the fact that learning how to operate it is somewhat more difficult.
The Corghi AM26 Artiglio Master and the Ranger R80DTXF are two examples of tire changer models that do not require the user to touch or lever the machine.
The majority of these more sophisticated tire changers come equipped with a wheel lift as standard.
This makes it possible to handle big wheels without the need to lift them, which eliminates the risk of the operator becoming injured. Strong pneumatic helper tools lessen the amount of physical labor required while replacing tires with difficult sidewalls.
Our recommendation is that you teach this machine in its entirety to a single technician at your business and then have only that person work on it.
Motorcycle Tire Changer
If you are looking for an ideal motorcycle tire changer, then this might be an excellent option for you.
Tire changers designed specifically for motorcycles are simpler than those designed for passenger vehicles and light trucks. The reason for this is that light truck tires are easier to work with.
Their setup is significantly more straightforward, and they often make use of a straightforward bead-loosening system and hand-operated rim clamps.
This type of tire changer can typically only be found at shops that specialise in the repair of motorcycles or ATV tires.
However, if you believe that you can grow your company by purchasing it, you should go ahead and do it.
Moreover, you may find that you need to broaden your services to include additional jobs involving motorcycles. Some shop owners also prefer to opt for a rugged tire changer.
Heavy Duty Tire Changers
Heavy-duty tire changers, often known as truck tire changers, are pretty big in comparison to motorcycle tire changers.
The majority of the time, these tire changers are required to work with heavy-duty tires that can have a tire diameter of up to 91 inches and a width of up to 43 inches.
When shopping for a heavy-duty tire changer, you need to exercise caution.
There are some that do, particularly those designed for off-road, agricultural, or construction work. While others are designed for companies that operate a fleet of different vehicles.
Unless, of course, you are going to start a truck shop. In that case, we wouldn’t recommend that you purchase this tire changer. This is because it is simply too expensive, and most trucks will go to repair firms that specialize in working on trucks instead.
If, on the other hand, you do possess a truck tire changer, have a look at the Corghi Monster AGTT, which is one of our most well-liked models.
How To Pick The Right Tire Changer Machine?
Because there are so many different tire changers on the market, selecting the ones that are best suited for your auto repair business can feel like a challenge.
Every manufacturer, from Corghi to Ranger, has its own set of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to tire changer machines, that might make or break a certain option for your shop.
Some shops like to opt for a tire changer that performs rapid tire changes, direct wheel service, and features a swing arm design. Other important factors include assessing the tire width, the tire shop’s workflow, and wheel diameter. The swing arm design is usually pretty helpful for many custom tires.
However, there are quite a few other factors as well you can consider while picking the best tire changers for your shop.
Type and Size of Wheels
The first factor that you need to think about while picking out the tire changer is the tire diameter, type, and size.
However, there are also other factors that you need to consider in addition to the tire diameter and size
Do the majority of your customers drive sedans and smaller everyday driving trucks, or do you primarily service larger vehicles, which would necessitate the use of larger tire changer parts?
Your response to this question will help you take the first step toward making the best choice for a suitable tire changer.
There is one more thing to think about, and that is whether or not you would like to specialize in providing services for a particular kind of tire.
For instance, if you decide to deal with run-flat tires, you will need a different kind of tire changer than you would normally use.
Run-flat tires enable the driver of a vehicle to continue operating the vehicle even if one or more of the tires has flattened out before they can be replaced.
These specialty tires frequently ask for a different set of tools than conventional tires would normally demand from their installers.
A solid understanding of these factors will also help you pick the perfect alternative tire changer.
Price
The price of the tire changer is yet another significant aspect to consider while searching for the ideal tire changer to meet the requirements of your store.
Don’t just take into consideration what your shop can pay right now, but also what it is likely to be able to afford in the future in terms of repair parts and maintenance. Some cramped tire shops are unable to afford the high price of a quality tire changer.
Although lesser-priced tire changers may have lower initial expenses, you should take into consideration the higher ongoing expenditures of maintaining a product of inferior quality.
A good quality machine will also assist in tire mounting and revolutionary wheel service offering. Tire mounting is an essential service that auto and tire shops offer.
Risk and Safety
There are a wide variety of tire changers available, each of which offers some protection against the hazards that are inherent in the process of changing tires, both for the workers who are doing the operation and for the tires themselves.
As mentioned before, a tilt back tire changer is one of the most useful solutions. These types of tire changers have a lower danger of causing damage to tires when used by personnel with less experience.
However, you should note that the risk and safety protocols for tires differ; trailer tires, racing tires, custom tires, and ongoing wheel service, all will have their own safety parameters,
Air vs Electric
In spite of the fact that manual and electric tire changers both have their own set of advantages, most people find that electric tire changers are the more convenient and cost-effective choice.
In light of this, it is imperative that you give careful consideration to the kind of tire changer that will satisfy the requirements of your particular auto business.
Even while electric choices are more cost-effective overall, this does not necessarily guarantee that they will be successful in all kinds of stores or garages.
Power Operated Assist Tools
If you want to have an auto repair business that can also handle contemporary tires that are tougher, you will need to update your equipment, especially your tire changer.
It is strongly recommended that a power-operated aid tool be included in the setup of your tire changer.
The use of power-operated assist equipment will make changing tires much simpler and safer for the technician, while also contributing to an increase in your shop’s overall level of production.
The vast majority of manufacturers will give their versions of these tools unique names, such as the Easymont produced by Hofmann. The SP2000 and PU1500, are both manufactured by Corghi; the Single Tower Assist or Dual Tower Assist.
110 VS 220 Voltage
Again, there are certain manufacturers of tire changers that give you the option to choose between 110 and 220 volts of power. While it is simpler to install and set up a tire changer that operates on 110 Volts. Because it provides a significantly higher amount of power, the 220 will make tire changers that much more reliable and effective. Especially when you are replacing more difficult tires, including run-flat tires or other tougher tires.
Tire Changer for High-Volume Shops
You also think about investing in a tire changer that can not only take the stress of heavy-duty vehicles that will be placed on it but can also change a diverse range of tires.
Hence, we would recommend that you invest in a tire changer that is versatile enough to work with both large and small wheels, as well as low-profile tires.
These days, low-profile tires are quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.
You run the danger of harming expensive alloy wheels if you do not have a tire machine that was developed expressly for working with those types of wheels. If you damage an expensive set of rims, you could end up spending thousands of dollars to fix them.
When discussing specialized wheels, you might want to look at tire machines that come equipped with power assists and mounting assistant arms.
It is an investment that will prove to be worthwhile, despite the fact that the price of the wheel balancer or tire changer will go up as a result. The business of changing specialized tires can be quite lucrative.
Imagine this as an investment that has the potential to yield a speedy return for your auto repair shop! In addition, if you do not have the appropriate equipment, changing flat tires is extremely difficult.
Choosing the right tire changer isn’t just about your immediate clientele. To elevate your auto repair shop to the next level, consider the requirements of a wider range of potential customers, such as car dealerships. Dealerships represent a significant segment of the automotive market and catering to their needs can provide an edge to your business.
Incorporating Dealership Needs in Choosing Tire Changers
Car dealerships house a variety of vehicles from small cars to large trucks, each requiring different types of tire changers. Consequently, a repair shop considering to cater to such diverse needs must ensure that its selection of tire changers aligns with this broad vehicle portfolio. This not only makes your shop more attractive to dealerships but also prepares your business to handle any customer’s vehicle, thereby widening your potential client base.
For example, a dealership might frequently sell large, heavy-duty trucks. This demand would necessitate the presence of a heavy-duty tire changer in your shop to cater to any post-sale tire changing needs of these trucks. Similarly, if a dealership sells a lot of sports cars, your shop should be equipped with touchless or leverless tire changers that are more suited for handling the low-profile, performance tires that these vehicles typically have.
As an auto repair shop owner, you can also reach out to local dealerships to understand their specific needs. Understanding their frequent sales can help you anticipate the types of tire changers you may need. Moreover, this can also lead to creating partnerships with these dealerships, thereby driving more business to your shop.
Conclusion
Selecting the right tire changer for your auto repair shop requires a thoughtful approach that takes several critical factors into consideration. From understanding different types of tire changers to evaluating their price, risk, safety, power requirements, and the potential demand of different client bases, including car dealerships, every aspect plays a crucial role in making the right choice.
The type and size of the wheels you’ll be dealing with, the price you’re willing to invest, the safety measures required, the choice between air and electric tire changers, the need for power operated assist tools, and the power requirements are all critical factors to consider. A special consideration must be given to the specific needs of diverse clients, especially car dealerships, that often deal with a wide range of vehicles and thus, a wide range of tires.
In the end, the decision should be based on what best aligns with your shop’s needs, the nature of your clients, and your long-term business strategy. While the upfront cost may seem daunting, remember that investing in the right equipment can yield considerable returns in the long run.
Remember, the right tire changer is an investment that extends beyond just its functional capacity. It reflects on your commitment to providing top-notch service and being prepared for any vehicle that comes through your doors. It’s about building trust and reputation in the industry, and with your customers.
So, take your time, do your research, and make a decision that propels your auto repair shop to new heights.
