Tire machine/balancer recomendations?

[kbeefy]

I have a small-ish ( 3 mechanics) independent Repair shop and want to add a tire machine and balancer.

Anyone have any suggestions for best value, features and quality?
Not interested in any of the home grade chinese stuff, looking for something name brand or with a super reputation.

We don't sell tires so it won't be heavy use, but I want it to work when I need it.

Thanks!

 

[vettex2]

Hunter and Coates were good
I'm not sure about the latest stuff though.

 

[TractorJeff]

"Not interested in any of the home grade chinese stuff"
Neighbor did this, first year he changed out probably 40 tires, next year he changed out probably 25 tires. Third year he very rarely used it (10?).
Its junk!
I go over sometimes to use the bead breaker but as far as having power to rotate the tool to lift the tire? Nope!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Hunter and Coates were good

The big 2 ! If you have a small shop, the tire machine and balancer will take up a lot of space.

 

[az45]

Hunter and Coates were good
I'm not sure about the latest stuff though.

This.

If they do break, you'll be able to get parts and service. I'd say Coats would be the first choice and I believe they have models for low volume use. Check Myers Tire Supply, there's probaby one near you.

 

[Ocho]

We've got Hunter Equipment and have always been happy with it.

If you don't do many tires, you might look into getting set up as a Tire Rack installer. (Pretty sure it is free.)
We don't sell tires, either. We direct our customers ti Tire Rack.

Tire Rack ships the tires to us. What we are noticing is when the customer shows up for the tire mounting balancing, they have a list of other things they want done unrelated to tires. Not sure if it's the "while I'm here" principle or what, but is definitely added value for the customer and work for us that we might not have otherwise had.

 

[calif phil]

Been using Coates tire changers for 40 years. Always have had great luck with them. Do stay away from the chinese stuff.

 

[WhiffySpark]

We have coats and hunter. The coats v200 is JUNK. Every place I've been in that had it didn't work right. Our hunter balancer said have no issues

We have both brands for changers. Hunter tc3700 is my favorite. I can do hand truck tires to mud tires on it. No problems with exotics either.

We have a gts70 it's ok. And a tcx53

 

[kbeefy]

The big 2 ! If you have a small shop, the tire machine and balancer will take up a lot of space.

Not that small. 5 lifts and about 3000 sq ft.

We see as many as 60 cars a week when its busy in the summer.

Hunter and Coats were what I was looking at, wasn't sure if there was anything else I should be paying attention to.

Thanks for the tip about tire rack Ocho, I'll look into it when we get set up.

 

[James-W]

Did you want new stuff, or will "good condition used" be OK with you? If used would be acceptable then I would check out Craig's List and other places to see what's available locally.

 

[kbeefy]

Think I'm having trouble posting pics from my phone....

hmm... worked when I first posted...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12cXt-rbaa9wP7BFL0DML1ZHt1JTrAL7mDw/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i3DY_xUl1Z5RLcdlqgDIUKqFkPUxhHvPJA/view?usp=drivesdk

 

[kbeefy]

Did you want new stuff, or will "good condition used" be OK with you? If used would be acceptable then I would check out Craig's List and other places to see what's available locally.

I've been watching craigslist, so far anything that I like is asking new prices.

I've started looking at some overhauled ones, but they've been priced close to new as well.

 

[Streetbu]

National Auto Tool has a package deal. Buddy has been using this same set for almost ten years. Not a single issue.

https://nationalautotools.com/colle...950-tire-changer-ntb-550-wheel-balancer-combo

 

[jomobco]

Get in touch with Coates and find their installers/repair guys in your area. Reach out to them and see what they can fix up for your needs. It's what worked for me.