Bishman 880 Tire Machine Operation

[Tjaltz]

I have an old Bishman air/electric tire machine, which I believe is a Model 880, and I have a question regarding a lever on it. On the back right of the machine there is a lever that moves 90 degrees. It is either horizontal in one position, or pointing down in the other position. See photos. Does anyone that has this machine or has used it know what this lever does? Anyone know where to get a manual for a Bishman 880? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Rusty Bumper]

My neighbor gave me his yesterday after I did some seasonal work for him. I have been searching for instructions on how the machine works properly. I found these images on shopfloortalk dot com That really explain a lot on how to properly break the top and bottom beads. See the instructions in the photos. (maybe we can learn together)
Mine is model 880-61 and is red. I hear they also com in blue like yours.

 

[Tjaltz]

That’s Interesting, thank you. I figured out that the lever on the right side should be up to break the top bead, and down to break the bottom bead with the upper arm resting on the rim so it doesn’t move. My machine does not have the pull out stop shown in image 4. I’m also finding that it’s pretty much limited to 13”, 14” and 15” rims, and can’t handle the larger rims of today’s vehicles.

 

[Rusty Bumper]

There are tire size numbers on mine. It handles up to 17.5" tires.
I think I need to rebuild/clean my air cylinder as it will fill with air but does not relase the air very fast at all. I lubed up the square shaft but then I wonder if I used too much. There is a plug on the bottom of the cylinder but I have yet to dismantle anything.

 

[Tjaltz]

I put a 1/4” ball valve on my air inlet, so I could control how fast the cylinder fills and the bead breaking speed. Once I disconnect my airline and open the ball valve, it empties in a few seconds.

 

[Rusty Bumper]

What are you using for a bar/spoon/pry bar to hook under the tire? do you have a pic? I catch a glimpse of a bar in some of the videos but do not get a good picture of the end.

 

[Tjaltz]

I think it’s original to the machine. 18 inches long 3/8” bar stock with some bends.