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signcrafter

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I can see this becoming a social event worth some of my buddies. One already asked if I got it yet, lol, but he did offer to help set it up.
Once friends find out you have the machines it will be a social event. Everyone was asking me if I could help them out with tires. I don't mind helping friends out, especially if they have helped me out in the past. But guys that don't ever help I had to start charging for things. I have too much in consumables laying around, plus the cost of the machines. I used to do things for free all the time but one day woke up and realized that I chose to spend my money on new tools and shop stuff while friends were spending their money on vacations and other things. Then asking to borrow tools or asking me to help fix there cars so they didn't have to pay someone. Not really fair. Especially when you start getting into these big boy toys that cost as much as a used car after you add up everything you need. Felt taken advantage of by some of my friends so those ones I started charging for helping them. Some still appreciated my help for half what a shop would charge but some must have got offended and just took their stuff to shops, which is fine with me. Yep I can patch a nail puncture on a Sunday night for you, for 20 bucks or a case of beer.

But you will be a popular guy once word gets out you have tire machines. Lol
 

IndyGarage

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Personally I think road force is a gimmick.

I originally bought a balancer because I got a bad balance every time from tire stores. If you have one that does a good job, that's gold.

I haven't found one that takes the time to get it right. They spend a couple minutes a tire, and you can't do a good job that fast. Plus they let their equipment get out of spec and they have really low rate help changing tires - so my guess is the roadforce balancer is just expensive/complicated equipment that still doesn't get used correctly. Not saying the machine isn't capable of doing a good job, but they don't do a good job with the simple equipment so I don't expect them to do better with the complex stuff.

About 5 years ago I bought a Lexus that had brand new tires from a dealership on it - they were purchased a few days before I bought the car. I didn't like the way they were balanced. I rebalanced them and they were perfect. I could tell whoever balanced them before didn't know what they were doing. I have never liked those tires all that well, but they now have 55,000 miles on them and could go another 20.

I bought another used car a couple months ago. It came with a bunch of receipts. The owner bought new tires a year ago - a month later was in the tire store complaining that the tires weren't balanced correctly. Tire store response is "the wheels are bent - recommend new wheels". I notice immediately the tires are out of balance. I put them on my balancer expecting to find bent wheels - wheels are perfect. Every tire is out of balance the exact same 1/2 ounce. That means the tire store had out of spec balancing equipment and it ***** to drive a car like that - the vibration constantly changes better to worse as the out of balance wheels align with each other while you are driving.

It takes me a few minutes, but I can get a set of tires so smooth that you cannot feel a thing - with my cheap chinese balancer - I doubt anybody at a shop can do better.

The other thing I got recently, for finicky tires that won't bead up, is this HF blaster.
Just another tool, but a bit safer than starter fluid. :p

20230917_124126.jpg
Exact copy of a Cheetah brand bead blaster. I use one of those because my machine does not have a bead blaster.
 
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IndyGarage

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I've had a Hunter balancer for over 25 years. I bought it back when I figured it's the last one I will ever have to buy.
Having 11 vehicles, 3 trailers and a bobcat, I buy a ton of tires. Many these days have been out of round brand new (but still
balanced out).

About 1.5 years ago, I got used RF machine. Only paid $2600, so it's not impossible to find one "cheap". Needed new cooling fan, new bearings in force roller, some clean up, and I had my "Hunter Rep" recalibrate/check out the machine. Clean bill of health after that. He claims those machines are good for 40K or more balances, before they need work. You can look in the stats on the machine and see how many balances it has done over it's life, before you buy. Mine had close to 14K

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Anyway, I've proved to myself that if done correctly, it definitely works. BUT, the largest benefit to me has been brand new tires. If a new perf tire RF's over 15, it goes back. If a truck tire RF's over 25, it goes back. Tire sellers have been pretty good about taking tires back, when I explain why I want an exchange. Many times, bad RF #'s go in hand with high balance weights, but not always.

Anyway. I've had a Chinese tire machine for over 20 years. I've added many items to help with low profile and nicer rims, like both side rams, tire bead "puller upper", and even a center mount kit.

20180519_183629.jpg

Had to build my own mount for that one above

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This thing allows you to not have to use pry bar to pull up bead. It mounts where std head goes.
I've dinged up plenty of nice rims with just trying to pry low profile beads over the edge .

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And this thing really helps keep rim from spinning. Even using plastic inserts and gripping out edge of lower rim, sometimes the rim will spin, again trying to get a super low profile bead on.

20230811_081335.jpg

Even with all that, picked up a GT500 for track use last year with CF wheels. I'm now looking for Hunter TC39 machine, as those wheels are 7 grand each.

So I would have no issue with the Chinese tire machine's. I'm not really sold on any of the Chinese balancers, mainly due to the electronics, long term. I guess if you are considering a Chinese balancer, I would take a known good balanced tire with you, put it on the machine and it should balance out first shot with MAYBE it looking for .25 ounce extra on one side. Also, balance a tire on the machine. Take tire off and put it back on in a different spot (machine hub vs wheel hub, rotationally). Should balance out to zero in any position. If both of those things check out, then it is only durability that might be an issue.
Great post.

You are doing things at a higher level than me. That sounds like a good use for the RF balancer. I've gotten tires that I suspected were pretty bad, and still used them. I generally buy the best tires I can for whatever my use is and the higher priced tires tend to not have as many problems.
 
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firebirdparts

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For people on the hunt, I ran into a guy trying to flip used machines, I was able to figure out that Walmart sells their used machines (and a whole lot of other stuff) on an auction site at www.grlauctions.com. Look at the monthly equipment auctions.

Sometimes the store claims the machines are fine but they just update periodically. At the time I was looking, they went cheap. YMMV.

I couldn't resist looking at the current auctions and they are using a Buy-it-now/make offer format. There are some bargains in there ($750 Buy it now for a working Coats 1250 in WV is 10 cents on the dollar). I believe they'll take the best offer no matter how low it is.
 

firebirdparts

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There is a video some where on YouTube showing a guy changing truck tires. 4 laying flat on the ground. Bead breaking sledge. Couple of long tire pry bars, lube. He unmounted and mounted all 4 (no inflation) in less than 10 minutes.

ERROR ! 3:43 !!

Changing semi truck tires
Spoons work of course, and efficiently, but no way do I swing a bead-breaking sledge. A regular manual bead-breaker would be much lighter to carry around and much much safer. He's really good at that, I admit it.
 

BillK

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I cant help you with a machine choice but just want to add that I buy all of my tires from a smaller local shop and the price always includes mounting and balancing and lifetime rotations and balancing if needed. I probably pay a little more up front but it is completely worth it to me.
 
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Renegade1LI

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It's not about the money, it's about the service & convenience, plus I like doing it myself. Also have had lots of bad luck getting tires done & I have lots of tires, Who knows maybe could be a small side gig.
 
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Renegade1LI

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Trying to avoid analysis paralysis I decided on the MK988/690 combo on Amazon, many of the same with different branding. This should handle any tires I have & then some, also nice it came in blue to match my tool boxes,lol. Should be here in about 10 days so I have a little time to find a spot & get started. I have a bunch of tires ready to go so a review be be coming quick.
 

zendriver

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Wow, that's interesting. I've never seen anything like that.
I think the Chinese that ran out of other ideas to steal so now they’re coming up with their own

Looks like a useful in between from a complete manual muscle powered one to a larger more sophisticated powered one
 
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noid

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Quoting myself from a past thread:

I've got a Atlas WB-HS and its been great. The key to a good balancer is consistency; you should be able to balance, remove, remount and get the same result, and the atlas is able to do that consistently.

For infrequent, or personal use, you really don't need the motorized models, so save the money there and get a set of these pin plates instead for that premium balancing experience:

 
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Renegade1LI

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Well took a little longer to get but it arrived in good condition, no visible damage to crates. No time to assemble, it's snowmobile season, hopefully next week. I'll do an assembly review and mount some tires.
 

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Brand X

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I lot of the China machines are made by Bright Manufacturing. Derek Weaver.etc..
I had good luck with mine over the 7 years I had them.. I built a manual unit, because
the tire shop just piss me off to no end.. Not having to deal with any of that nonsense
makes the Balancer/Tire machine worth every penny in a home shop.. With the ATV/
Motorcycle adapters really extends the range of work you can do with one.. Quality balance
cones,collets /pin plates are certainly worth having .. You can throw certain cones in a lathe,
and come up with some pretty high quality adapters for your needs..I made one for Toyota
truck wheels,and measured 2 thou run-out on some stock Toyota Tacoma wheels..
 

noid

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Well took a little longer to get but it arrived in good condition, no visible damage to crates. No time to assemble, it's snowmobile season, hopefully next week. I'll do an assembly review and mount some tires.
If you ever have a chance to pop the cover off, let is know if the internals look like those on the left or right.

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Brand X

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Looking inside a Atlas on the tire machine was not that impressive.. Lot of that is markeing on how they work..
Most are totally fine, and do a good job.. I have a Atlas midrise lift , but just could not pull the trigger on the tire mahine
for the price wanted..
 
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Renegade1LI

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OK, finally had a chance to uncrate and set up. First of throw away the directions, the chinglish and lack of details is horrible. Lots of good YouTube and it's fairly simple. I did have one opps, the duck head lock cylinder was broken, but I think I did it. I did call the vendor and they're shipping one out but I found one on Amazon so I didn't have to wait.
Having zero tire machine experience it took a little trial and error but not bad, like anything experience will make it better. I will say the machine is well built, I really don't see a weak point and for a hobbiest this machine should last a long time, plus parts are readily available.
I haven't had a chance to set up the balancer yet, I'm sure that will take some practice. Hopefully no more scratched rims and the convenience of tire repair at home. If there was a down side it would be stocking up on accessories, just kidding.
 

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drmarkr

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I bought this in mid-Jan and finally got it setup last night...changed several radial and bias ply race tires (13" and 15") and it works great. I could've paid for a few of these (price was $1700) for what I've spent in changes over the past 5-6 years.

711rs7QSgkL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 
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Renegade1LI

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I bought this in mid-Jan and finally got it setup last night...changed several radial and bias ply race tires (13" and 15") and it works great. I could've paid for a few of these (price was $1700) for what I've spent in changes over the past 5-6 years.

711rs7QSgkL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Very happy with the set up and it’s nice to not get scratched rims. I do place a towel over the rim just in case i drop something.
 
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Renegade1LI

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A little update, mounted & balanced about 20 tires so far & I have to say I love the convenience of doing it myself, at my leisure. Probably the only pia part was stocking up on tire weights & supplies, after that a few minutes a tire & it's good to go. I will say that regardless of cost, I'm very happy I got them & bonus the color matches my boxes!
 

signcrafter

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A little update, mounted & balanced about 20 tires so far & I have to say I love the convenience of doing it myself, at my leisure. Probably the only pia part was stocking up on tire weights & supplies, after that a few minutes a tire & it's good to go. I will say that regardless of cost, I'm very happy I got them & bonus the color matches my boxes!
Convenience and knowing it's done right because you did it is the main reason to have your own. Think in one of my previous posts here I said something about the consumables and accessories will add up quick. That's the down side to doing this as a "hobby" vs a shop making decent money. Still have to have all the stuff just to do your own.

Where did you get all your weights from? I have bought a few assortments of different styles and then bought the stick on weights. Hate not having the right stuff when I need it so one of these days I'd like to get a full assortment of weights put together with all the different styles.

A tire repair stand/spreader comes in really handy, I bought a chinese one off amazon a couple years back. I also bought the autel tpms programmer and use their mx sensors. Napa sells them and so does amazon. One sensor works on most vehicles, all I've ever ran into. Can swap rubber to metal valve stem and vise versa. I've done more TPMS sensors then anything else I think. I use plug/patch combos that I got from napa for tire repairs most of the time. Also bought a low speed buffer made by astro to drill out the hole and buff the inside of tire for a patch/plug. Now milwaukee makes an m12 version and would get that now but I don't do enough to justify getting one when I already have the air version.
 
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Renegade1LI

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Convenience and knowing it's done right because you did it is the main reason to have your own. Think in one of my previous posts here I said something about the consumables and accessories will add up quick. That's the down side to doing this as a "hobby" vs a shop making decent money. Still have to have all the stuff just to do your own.

Where did you get all your weights from? I have bought a few assortments of different styles and then bought the stick on weights. Hate not having the right stuff when I need it so one of these days I'd like to get a full assortment of weights put together with all the different styles.

A tire repair stand/spreader comes in really handy, I bought a chinese one off amazon a couple years back. I also bought the autel tpms programmer and use their mx sensors. Napa sells them and so does amazon. One sensor works on most vehicles, all I've ever ran into. Can swap rubber to metal valve stem and vise versa. I've done more TPMS sensors then anything else I think. I use plug/patch combos that I got from napa for tire repairs most of the time. Also bought a low speed buffer made by astro to drill out the hole and buff the inside of tire for a patch/plug. Now milwaukee makes an m12 version and would get that now but I don't do enough to justify getting one when I already have the air version.
This is where I'm at, have the basics in weights and stems. Now I'll add as I go, everything came from Amazon.
 

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signcrafter

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This is where I'm at, have the basics in weights and stems. Now I'll add as I go, everything came from Amazon.
And it will only grow. LOL There are a bunch of different style of clip on weights for different style lips on rims. Think it's MC style that I got for now because that is what my vehicles take. I almost forgot about the stem collection. With TPMS on most vehicles now you need special stems for each different vehicle. I replace stems anytime I change a tire, not sure if it's needed but just a practice I adopted from somewhere. Think Eric on south main said one time that if you're pulling a tire off the rim then you replace the valve stem. I started writing down part numbers anytime I replaced a stem on a common vehicle. Then next time I placed a rock auto order I would see if any of the part numbers I needed were shipping from the same warehouse I was already getting parts from. If so I would add 10 to the order to have on hand for next time. Gives me 8 for two sets of tires and then 2 extra to have a part number to reorder or in case I needed one for a leaky stem. In the new shop I want to get a cabinet of some kind with divided bins for all the different stems, patches, weights, etc. That's the only negative part of having these machines, they are convenient and great to have but if I have to buy stems and weights and whatever at a parts store when I run into something I don't have then there is zero cost savings. So I try to "stock" common things I will run into otherwise the convenient part goes out the window when you have to run to store or order something.
 

Jack_K

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The cost of weights quickly adds up. Luckily I only really do old steel wheels so I only need one type. I was asked to do some alloys so I did buy a small quantity of stick on weights. My balancer is overflowing with weights so I really need to find a storage solution.

At least once it's stocked up it's not so much of a problem since old clip on weights can be reused.
 

djbmw

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The cost of weights quickly adds up. Luckily I only really do old steel wheels so I only need one type. I was asked to do some alloys so I did buy a small quantity of stick on weights. My balancer is overflowing with weights so I really need to find a storage solution.

At least once it's stocked up it's not so much of a problem since old clip on weights can be reused.
Find out who your local supplier in the area is for weights, paste, lube, etc. Prema Canada is the primary supplier here,... but most of the local Prema reps also carry other lines since they are all contractors.

Pre-covid pricing was like $10 to $14/box CDN, depending on the mass of weight. Those boxes would either have 50 pcs (for like .75oz or less). Or 25 pcs. Per box for heavier weights. A box of 1/4oz stick ons was like $17 CAD or something.

I primarily use euro paste on lower profile tires... and mix up my own rim slip with Murphys soap for steelies. But you could just use paste if you're doing a low volume of tires per year.
 
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Renegade1LI

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So I've had these machines almost a year and have done 4 sets of tires, a set of s x s tires and a few atv tires. I have to say I'm very happy, machines work great and the convenience really comes in handy. The only tough to balance wheels were on my daully, the offset is a challenge, otherwise the wheels balance well, no vibration up to 80mph. I have a pretty good assortment of weights and stems and most are a day out to order. So a year in and very happy, would definitely recommend to anyone on the fence.
 

signcrafter

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So I've had these machines almost a year and have done 4 sets of tires, a set of s x s tires and a few atv tires. I have to say I'm very happy, machines work great and the convenience really comes in handy. The only tough to balance wheels were on my daully, the offset is a challenge, otherwise the wheels balance well, no vibration up to 80mph. I have a pretty good assortment of weights and stems and most are a day out to order. So a year in and very happy, would definitely recommend to anyone on the fence.
Where do you order your weights from. I've found for most wheels I've come across they take the mc type.
 

gsxr

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I'm in the market for a new Super China tire machine & balancer combo. Living in the middle of nowhere (Montana), finding a deal on good used name-brand (Coats, Hunter, etc) is not an option. Generally what shows up for sale looks like it sat outdoors in a field for years, is missing parts, no way to test, and they still want $2k for what they think is a gold mine because someone else sold a nice working one on eBay for twice that. :rolleyes:

Anyway. I'm torn between the Vevor pair, changer KC-503 with assist arms and balancer KC-9803, $2565 delivered for both:

Or, the Katool KT-T830 changer with assist arms, and balancer KT-B700 for $1988 delivered:

I messaged both sellers to ask about liftgate delivery, as I don't have a forklift. No response yet.

I'm pretty sure the balancers are almost the same, likely from the same factory, but with slightly different control panels. Vevor has free return shipping and seems to have slightly better reviews. Katool does not offer free return shipping and reviews seem slightly worse, which may explain the price delta. I'd rather pay a few bucks more for better customer service and return policy. I'm having a hard time telling if there is any significant feature difference between Katool and Vevor tire machines (assuming the balancers really are basically the same).

Anyone have direct experience with the specific models above? I'll be changing mostly passenger car tires, 15-18" diameter, nothing below 35 series aspect ratio. Same as everyone else on this thread, I'm fed up with the local tire shops not balancing stuff correctly even though they have a $25k Road Force Elite balancer. Asking them to always dynamic balance with SmartWeight shut off helps, but they're always in a hurry and I always end up with vibration.

:deadhorse
 

djbmw

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I'm in the market for a new Super China tire machine & balancer combo. Living in the middle of nowhere (Montana), finding a deal on good used name-brand (Coats, Hunter, etc) is not an option. Generally what shows up for sale looks like it sat outdoors in a field for years, is missing parts, no way to test, and they still want $2k for what they think is a gold mine because someone else sold a nice working one on eBay for twice that. :rolleyes:

Anyway. I'm torn between the Vevor pair, changer KC-503 with assist arms and balancer KC-9803, $2565 delivered for both:

Or, the Katool KT-T830 changer with assist arms, and balancer KT-B700 for $1988 delivered:

I messaged both sellers to ask about liftgate delivery, as I don't have a forklift. No response yet.

I'm pretty sure the balancers are almost the same, likely from the same factory, but with slightly different control panels. Vevor has free return shipping and seems to have slightly better reviews. Katool does not offer free return shipping and reviews seem slightly worse, which may explain the price delta. I'd rather pay a few bucks more for better customer service and return policy. I'm having a hard time telling if there is any significant feature difference between Katool and Vevor tire machines (assuming the balancers really are basically the same).

Anyone have direct experience with the specific models above? I'll be changing mostly passenger car tires, 15-18" diameter, nothing below 35 series aspect ratio. Same as everyone else on this thread, I'm fed up with the local tire shops not balancing stuff correctly even though they have a $25k Road Force Elite balancer. Asking them to always dynamic balance with SmartWeight shut off helps, but they're always in a hurry and I always end up with vibration.

:deadhorse
I havent used either... but agree that the balancers are likely the same. I also know that the tire machines will use the same valve bodies/assemblies, pistons, and most components. The only real difference seems to be in the valve locations, and bead depressor wheels/heads.

For the $500 difference between the two, there really doesnt appear to be much difference.

Also... if you have a cherry picker you can likely get the tire machine off the truck (very awkwardly). The wheel balancer is lighter and 2 guys can hand bomb it... but the tire machine will certainly need equipment.
 

tez929rr

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When the delivery came for me I was going to have the driver (liftgate trailer) put the machine into my truck bed and figure out unloading it later. The driver asked where it was going and he pushed it with the pallet jack about 200 yards into my shop. Solved a lot of problems and he seemed happy to do it. IIRC there was a modest upcharge to have a lift gate delivery.
 
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Renegade1LI

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I bought the XK from amazon in jan 25 for 2400$, it's now 1938$ I've had no issues & 1 part replaced under warranty & I broke it & they still replaced it. I would buy this set up again, the balancing takes some practice, almost an art to get good results. But I was able to balance the dullie wheels, though it took a few times.
 
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Renegade1LI

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Also deffinetly get the tire machine with the assist arms, I use them all the time, makes it easier. The real fun is buying the tire supplies, weights & cores, a quick few hundred to get started, it gets fustrating if you don't have all the consumables. After your first emegency repair you'll wonder how you got along without it,lol. It's a little addicting to, I balanced all my trailer tires just because.
 

gsxr

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Got a response from both vendors on eBay.

Vevor:
"Thanks for your email. Sorry for the inconvenience caused to you. We currently do not provide forklift services, and this requires you to communicate with the courier separately. We hope you understand. "
Katool:
"Hi, I will deliver the goods to your residential address for free, and I will also provide liftgate service for you at no extra charge."


Between the lower cost AND the free liftgate delivery, I'm leaning towards the Katool combo. Liftgate fees could be $75-$100 (or more), making the total price ~$2650 Vevor vs <$2000 for Katool. I also do not want to mess with freight depot pickup, which requires renting a trailer, then using a cherry picker to get the crates off the trailer. I have a pallet jack, so a liftgate delivery to my concrete pad would be ideal.

I sent the same message to both vendors. Katool answered exactly what I asked, Vevor did not, or there was a language barrier. Both sellers are based in China with USA distribution warehouses. Katool might have hired someone with better Engrish skills.

" Question: Hello, I do not have a forklift at my residential delivery location. Is liftgate delivery available, and how much does that cost? Thank you! "

:unsure:
 
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ctandc72

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The other thing I got recently, for finicky tires that won't bead up, is this HF blaster.
Just another tool, but a bit safer than starter fluid. :p

20230917_124126.jpg
Yeah, but it's not as amusing as starter fluid. Did it once (long story) at gas station on the NJ Turnpike coming home in the wee hours of the morning after patching a tire on a car I had just bought and was driving home. The guy running the gas station almost had a heart attack. LMAO
 
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djbmw

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Got a response from both vendors on eBay.

Vevor:
"Thanks for your email. Sorry for the inconvenience caused to you. We currently do not provide forklift services, and this requires you to communicate with the courier separately. We hope you understand. "
Katool:
"Hi, I will deliver the goods to your residential address for free, and I will also provide liftgate service for you at no extra charge."


Between the lower cost AND the free liftgate delivery, I'm leaning towards the Katool combo. Liftgate fees could be $75-$100 (or more), making the total price ~$2650 Vevor vs <$2000 for Katool. I also do not want to mess with freight depot pickup, which requires renting a trailer, then using a cherry picker to get the crates off the trailer. I have a pallet jack, so a liftgate delivery to my concrete pad would be ideal.

I sent the same message to both vendors. Katool answered exactly what I asked, Vevor did not, or there was a language barrier. Both sellers are based in China with USA distribution warehouses. Katool might have hired someone with better Engrish skills.



:unsure:
Sounds like you have your answer on what the better buy is (Katool).
 

MOS3522

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 6, 2022
Messages
1,768
Location
Colorado
Just going to throw out Costco has unlimited free balancing and rotation if you buy tires from them.

Some stuff is just not worth DIY, and rotating and balancing is high up on that list for me. When I change my all seasons out for snow tires, they are rotated and balanced for free. All while I shop for stuff I'd be buying anyway.
 
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