Finding the best tyre changer for your garage or workshop can be difficult as there are many models and types to choose from. We want to help you narrow down your choices to only the best for your business. Throughout this blog we will review the best tyre changers available on the market, the different types of tyre changers that there are and how they can help you to improve your shop floor efficiency.
See our full blog below and discover the best tyre changers for your garage or workshop.
What are tyre changers?
Tyre changers are machines used to remove and mount tyres onto vehicle rims efficiently. They are essential tools in automotive workshops and tyre service centres. Tyre changers typically consist of a clamping mechanism to hold the wheel, a bead breaker to loosen the tyre from the rim, and a turntable to rotate the wheel during operation.
The operator uses levers or automated arms to separate the tyre bead and install a new one. Some tyre changers are manual, requiring physical effort, while others are motorised or touchless for faster and safer handling of various tyre types, including low-profile and speciality tyres.
Types of type changers
There are quite a few different types of tyre changers available for garages and workshops to utilise in order to mount tyres and rims to vehicles efficiently.
Manual
A manual tyre changer is a mechanical tool used to remove and install tyres on a vehicle’s wheel rims without the need for powered equipment. It typically consists of a sturdy base, a centre post to hold the wheel in place, and levers or bars to pry the tyre off the rim and mount a new one.
Manual tyre changers are popular in workshops and among DIY enthusiasts due to their cost-effectiveness, portability, and simplicity. They are particularly useful for smaller tyres, such as those on motorcycles, bicycles, or smaller vehicles.
Semi Automatic
A semi-automatic tyre changer is a machine designed to assist in removing and installing tyres on wheel rims with greater ease and efficiency compared to manual methods. It features a motorised turntable to rotate the wheel, a bead breaker to loosen the tyre from the rim, and a mounting arm that can be manually positioned for tyre removal and installation.
The semi-automatic operation requires some manual effort, but significantly reduces physical strain and speeds up the process. It is commonly used in small to medium-sized automotive workshops for handling a variety of tyre sizes.
Automatic
An automatic tyre changer is a fully mechanised machine designed to streamline the process of removing and installing tyres on wheel rims. It features advanced components like a motorised turntable, a pneumatic or hydraulic bead breaker, and an automated mounting and demounting arm, which operates with minimal manual intervention.
These machines often include additional features, such as rim protection systems and precise adjustment controls, making them ideal for handling a wide range of tyre sizes and types. Automatic tyre changers are widely used in professional automotive workshops, where speed, precision, and efficiency are crucial.
Mobile
A mobile tyre changer is a portable machine designed to provide tyre-changing services on the go, typically used in roadside assistance or remote locations. It is compact and often mounted on a vehicle or trailer, equipped with essential tools like a bead breaker, mounting arm, and a motorised turntable, similar to standard tyre changers.
Mobile tyre changers are powered by electricity or compressed air and are ideal for handling a variety of tyre types, offering convenience and efficiency for customers who need tyre replacements or repairs outside traditional workshop settings.
Best tyre changers
The Hunter Revolution
Hunter’s advanced technology has led to the creation of a fully automatic tyre changer: the Revolution. This machine uses a fully automated process for all tyre and wheel types, ensuring consistency and saving time in your workshop. The Revolution is user-friendly, enhances tyre safety, prevents costly damage, and stands out as one of the most advanced and autonomous tyre changers available.
Benefits of the Hunter Revolution
- Fully automated operation
- Enhanced safety features
- User-friendly interface
- Time and labour efficiency
- Damage prevention
The Hunter Auto 34R
Hunter’s Auto34R simplifies the process of changing even the toughest performance tyres and wheels. This advanced leverless tyre changer delivers exceptional reliability and capability, making it ideal for busy retail or service centres. Designed for top performance, the Auto34R is the perfect tool for vehicle workshops, allowing Hunter’s technology to handle the hard work and boost your productivity.
Benefits of the Hunter Auto 34R
- Leverless operation
- Compact design
- User-friendly controls
- Enhanced safety features
- Automatic adjustments
The Hunter TCX70 Pro
The Hunter TCX70 Pro is a high-performance automatic leverless tyre changer, built for heavy use and durability. It excels at handling challenging alloys, low-profile tyres, and run-flats with ease. Equipped with advanced, market-leading technology, it streamlines tyre changes, freeing up staff to focus on other tasks. Its user-friendly design boosts productivity while ensuring consistent, top-quality service for your customers. Durable and efficient, the TCX70 Pro is perfect for demanding workshop environments.
Benefits of the Hunter TCX70 Pro
- Hybrid leverless mount head
- Fully synchronised dual roller arms
- Bead press arm
- Automatic positioning swivel tool arm
- Powerful motor and drive
- Match-mounting capabilites
The Hunter TCX56
The Hunter TCX56 is a high-performance conventional tyre changer known for its reliability and excellent value. Suitable for garages of all experience levels, it can handle a wide range of wheels and tyre types with ease. For more advanced needs, the Hunter TCX57 offers a leverless tool head for even greater efficiency and convenience.
Benefits of the Hunter TCX56
- Automatic swing arm
- Traditional tool head
- Bead press system
- Tabletop clamp
- PowerOut side shovel
The Hunter TCX54
The Hunter TCX54 features easy-to-use foot pedal controls and handles tyre changes from 12-24″. Equipped with a two-speed high-torque motor, it delivers exceptional performance, reliability, and convenience.
A powerful bi-directional turntable, rearward tilt column, and left-hand operated BPS come standard. The TCX54 is ideal for workshops looking to upgrade from a basic tyre changer and enjoy Hunter’s advanced technology.
Benefits of the Hunter TCX54
- Automatic tilt-back column
- Powerful bi-directional turntable
- Bead press system (BPS)
- Side shovel bead breaker
- Wide clamping range
The Hunter TCX52
The TCX52 is a user-friendly tyre changer built with the reliability you expect from Hunter products. Delivered fully assembled on a pallet, it’s ready to use right out of the box.
This tyre changer features a manual tilt-arm column, a bi-directional turntable, foot pedal controls, a side shovel, and a bead press system for efficient and hassle-free operation.
Benefits of the Hunter TCX52
- Air-powered tilt column
- Bi-directional turntable
- Side shovel bead breaker
- Bead press system
- Foot pedal operation
The Hunter TCX45
The TCX45 is a simple, traditional tyre changer that comes fully assembled on a pallet and ready to use right away.
It features a manual swing-arm column, bi-directional turntable, side shovel, and bead press system. Compact and budget-friendly, the TCX45 delivers impressive performance for its size and price.
Benefits of the Hunter TCX45
- Manual swing-arm column
- Bi-directional turntable
- Side shovel bead breaker
- Bead press system
- Foot pedal operation
The Hunter Maverick
The Maverick is built for technicians dedicated to professional tyre changing. Proudly made in Mississippi, Hunter’s new tyre changer blends the ease of hydraulic movement with the speed and control of manual operation, delivering top performance.
Benefits of the Hunter Maverick
- Hydraulic movement with manual responsiveness
- Bead rollers for match-mounting
- Operator-friendly design
FAQs
What are the key features of tyre changers
Key features of tyre changers include:
- Clamp Mechanism: Securely holds the wheel in place during operation.
- Bead Breaker: Removes the tyre from the rim by separating the bead.
- Turntable: Rotates the wheel for easy tyre removal or installation.
- Assist Arms: Provides support for handling stiff or low-profile tyres.
- Motorised Operation: Enhances speed and efficiency in tyre mounting/dismounting.
- Compatibility: Designed for a range of wheel sizes and types.
- Safety Features: Includes pressure gauges and protection systems to avoid wheel damage.
These features make tyre changers essential for efficient and safe tyre servicing.
Do manual tyre changers work?
Yes, manual tyre changers work effectively for basic tyre-changing tasks. They rely on physical effort and simple mechanical tools to remove and mount tyres. While they are affordable and suitable for small-scale or occasional use, they may require more time and effort compared to automated or motorised tyre changers. Manual tyre changers are best for standard tyres and may not be ideal for low-profile or stiff tyres.
What is a touchless tyre changer?
A touchless tyre changer is a machine designed to remove and install tyres without physical contact with the rim, preventing scratches or damage. It uses advanced technology, such as robotic arms and specialised tools, to grip and manipulate the tyre, making it ideal for delicate, high-end, or custom wheels.
Discover tyre changers with Pro-Align
At Pro-Align, we provide a wide selection of top-quality tyre changers and related services designed for garages and workshops throughout the UK. Whether you’re looking to replace old equipment or upgrade to improve the service you offer, Pro-Align has everything you need.
Get in touch with us today to explore our full range of products and services for your garage.