Tire machine and balancers

[TractorTherapy]

Been wanting to get a tire machine and balancer for my shop for quite some time. I have been looking almost exclusively for used Coats machines since they seem fairly common, simple, and repair parts are readily available.

A few cities away, a seller frequently advertises "rebuilt" Coats AH-70X-3 tire machines and 1250-1500 balancer combos pretty frequently that I have been eyeing.

Recently, however, a local car dealership is selling their Hunter Revolution tire machine and GSP9700 balancer for about the same money. I don't have any real knowledge about the Hunter machines except that it seems like a pretty walled up garden. My local auto repair shop is selling their Snap-On balancer after they replaced it with a Hunter GSP9700. He told me that he thought the Hunter did a far better job.

Anyone here able to comment on pros/cons on either of these paths?

 

[kbeefy]

GSP9700 was the flagship model for quite a while. I have an older one, works good.
I don't have anything fancy enough to use the roadforce function, and have never tried to figure it out.

 

[TractorTherapy]

Yes, I've read that the Road Force is a very nice system. Have you ever had to have your machine repaired? Can only be done with a Hunter service rep?

 

[Flashcraig]

I have a garage and we do a lot of tires is Ranger any good or just go with Hunter ?