New Mini Harbor Freight Tire Changer - Feedback?

[evh]

See attached photo. It looks like HF is clearing out their existing mini tire changer (on the right) and has a replacement (on the left) that looks about the same. The new one is currently on sale for $44.99 until 12-Nov-2023. Anyone use the new one yet? Comments?

 

[JeepYJ]

I have one. It makes quick work of mower tires. If you change a lot of small tires it’s definitely worth it.
Cons- the threaded center post is not that robust, be aware when really working the bead buster or spoons.
Also, get some spoons from Amazon or somewhere for small tires, makes it much easier. And some tire lube.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I just bought one last week. It makes it really easy to break off small tires like lawnmower/golf cart tires. As Jeep mentioned get some spoons as it will make the job easier. For lube, I just use straight up dawn dish washing detergent. Does the trick every time.

As far as I can tell, nothing has changed from the previous model other than color. Everything else looks the same from what I can see.

 

[alfadan]

As stated, the all-thread post is weak and the square tubing it mounts into is a loose fit; it's functional but annoying to me. I screwed mine down to a pallet.

The little deally on the end of the tool broke off, still haven't gotten around to welding it, but now I'm thinking spoons would be better.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

interested in the responses. Its getting harder and more expensive to get a shop to mount garden tractor tires.

Those that have one, what do you mount it to?

 

[Dewaynep]

I have mine mounted to the top of my workbench. Yes, it sticks up and can get in the way. The one I had at my last job I cut a hole in the workbench top and mounted it upside down so it was almost flush. I think I had to drill a new hole for the retainer pin. I've probably mounted/de-mounted several hundred tires on mine.

 

[signcrafter]

I have one and bolted it to a brake disc rotor that I clamp in my tire machine. Works great.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

interested in the responses. Its getting harder and more expensive to get a shop to mount garden tractor tires.

Those that have one, what do you mount it to?

I just mount it to the top of my welding table. Its basically my main workbench so that's where I used it when I needed it.

 

[peejay75]

While we're here...

Any tips for softening up a 4-ply tire to ease installation?

Trying to avoid ruining the bead, like I did on this 2-ply tire:



Granted, that tire had probably seen better days. (I was actually trying to put a tube in it, but the process whooped me and I took my frustration out on the tire, so I gave up and decided to do it "right" and go back tubeless).

Already ordered some tire spoons and Ru-Glyde, thinking of using a heat gun, or trying to let the tire sit in boiling hot water? (Leaving it out in the sun seems to have little to no effect).

 

[P0234]

While we're here...

Any tips for softening up a 4-ply tire to ease installation?

Trying to avoid ruining the bead, like I did on this 2-ply tire:



Granted, that tire had probably seen better days. (I was actually trying to put a tube in it, but the process whooped me and I took my frustration out on the tire, so I gave up and decided to do it "right" and go back tubeless).

Already ordered some tire spoons and Ru-Glyde, thinking of using a heat gun, or trying to let the tire sit in boiling hot water? (Leaving it out in the sun seems to have little to no effect).

You need to find someone with experience local to you or watch a lot of youtubes. Tires are funny, if you know the technique, they almost hop onto the wheel, if you fight them, you'll lose everytime. I was lucky, early on I found a guy down the street that gave me some quick pointers, especially about not forcing anything.