You can categorise tyre changers into 4 groups : Semi automatic - Automatic - Racing - Professional.
Semi-Automatic tyre changers are entry level machines. They are compact in size and are usually bought by people starting up, maybe on a budget or to be used as a backup machine. Some people use them as their main machine but because of the types of alloy rims on the market today, they are becoming less popular. The upper arm on the machine is pushed by hand in against the rim by the operator, hence the name 'Semi-Automatic'. They are quick and easy to use and are ideal for steel wheels. However, once you start to get into run flat and low profile tyres, they can be hard to use and you can sometimes scratch or damage rims, tear tyres etc. Some of these machines can be fitted with a side assist arm that helps with low profiles but you still end up with a basic machine.
Click here and here to see some Semi-Automatic Tyre Changers.
Automatic tyre changers are probably the most popular machines today. The body of the machine would be bigger than the Semi-Automatic machines, they usually handle larger wheels and they have an automatic tilt back head. Unlike the semi-automatic where you pull the arm into the wheel from the side, all you do here is press the foot pedal and the whole upper arm tilts backwards and forwards. Also, when you push the vertical upper arm down to touch the rim, there is a second air lock to hold it in place. These work really well with a side assist arm like this one here. This combination is a must for any serious tyre shop / garage.
Click here and here to see some Automatic Tyre Changers.
Racing tyre changers are used, as the name suggests, for racing wheels or just for customers who want to be able to handle any size rim. They are quite tall so will generally accommodate very wide wheels and also wheels with large diameters usually up to 26". They are pretty big too and can be almost twice the weight of a semi-automatic machine. These wouldn't be as common as the automatic machines but are still popular with certain high end users.
Click here and here to see some Racing Tyre Changers.
Professional tyre changers are the top of the line machines on the market today. In most cases, they are 'leverless' so they don't require the operator to use a tyre lever. They typically do away with the bead breaker that is usually mounted on the lower right side of most units and instead use pneumatic rollers mounted at the back of the turntable. Some use cameras in conjunctin with an LCD screen so you can see what's going on underneath the tyre as you work. Most are electronically controlled, all joystick or push button operated so all the hard work is removed from changing any type of tyre. The FoxRobofit which is manufactured by Mondolfo Ferro, doesn't use a standard turntable with sliding metal jaws. Instead it utilises a combination of 4 arms with rubber heads that move out to push against the inside of the rim giving a safe and secure fit. If you like your toys then this is the machine for you !
Click here to see the FoxRobofit. Click here here and here if you would like to see movies of this machine in action.
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