Hofman Tire machine advice, info

[pelletman]

I'm looking for a rim clamp machine and this Hoffman is pretty close to me and inexpensive. Missing the bead blaster, which I can probably live without, and he said it needs a seal. I didn't see a model number on it. Can anyone give me any insight regarding value and durability, capability and parts availability? He does have the shoe or whatever it is called. My previous machine was a Coats center post type. Thanks for any help and info you can provide

 

[jdjm]

Hoffman is now owned by snap on. That's good and bad because parts can be expensive but all should be available. As for the bead blaster I would just buy a 5 gallon seating blaster tank. I got one on ebay for $50 and it works great. I have a john bean also owned by snap on and parts aren't a problem. Hoffmans are good machines from what I hear.I don't know what you have for a compressor but tire machines use alot of air.

 

[IndyGarage]

Looks like it's missing the mount/demount head.

I wouldn't pay too much for it. It's a basic machine and needs some work. I paid $500 for one working and much better condition.

 

[pelletman]

THe mount demount head is there, just not on it presently. What could I expect to do on this machine? Largest and or smallest tire? Low profile? Run flat?

Thanks!

 

[IndyGarage]

THe mount demount head is there, just not on it presently. What could I expect to do on this machine? Largest and or smallest tire? Low profile? Run flat?

Thanks!

I looks to be pretty similar in size to my Atlas - the cheapest full size machine they sell.

I've done everything from standard 15-17 inch car tires to 335 35 18's on my Porsche to 285 55 20's for my truck.

You can clamp on both the inside and outside of those clamps. The low profile tires are a bit tedious on a machine like that with no helper arms - I use a series of 2x2x2 blocks of wood to hold the bead down on really tough tires.

I also have a Cheetah bead blaster since my machine doesn't have one. I rarely have to use it but it has come in handy a couple times.

The big thing I'd check on it is the condition of the inside of the bead breaker cylinder - my guess is that's the gasket it needs.

BTW a rim clamp machine is worlds better than the old coats type machines. I learned to sling tires on one of them when I was in high school.