Over the years, we have seen a zillion articles advising how best to determine the ‘right type of tyre changer for you’. These articles can range from semi-useful, to just a re-hashed montage of product leaflets blurb that verges on embarrassing to anyone who is on so much as nodding terms with tyre and wheel service equipment. Our approach to this is completely different. We could write about the various types of style of tyre machine; such as swing arm, tilt back or, the latest generation, Par-Move. Or we could discuss the obvious ones such as clamping capability (does anyone actually need to be told that if they want to change 22” rims, then they will need a tyre fitting machine capable of handling 22” rims?? Come on….).
No, we prefer to explain that is almost impossible to guide you in an article that affords a few hundred words before making your eyes glaze over. There are simply too many variables that we, as the authors, cannot predict. Let us give you a few examples of why we say this.
So let’s say you read an article that advises you to go for something with a large rim width capability, because maybe you are doing motorsport work. You then read that, typically, tilt-back machines are faster to use than swing-arms, which is correct. At this point you are already guiding yourself towards a type of model, maybe something like our Giuliano SX228 Pro tyre changer, which ticks those boxes and many more.
You order it, we turn up, only to find you wanted to put it onto a truck you take to race events for 6 months of the year. And when it isn’t at race events you want to use it in your workshop which really doesn’t have a lot of room.
In this case, we would have guided you towards Par-Move, because this design (where the parallelogram movement provides an even faster operation than a tilt back, but eliminates the need for room behind the machine and therefore a much reduced footprint) is ideal for anywhere limited on space but needs something we would term as high-performance. Or maybe, the Giuliano Sbacy tyre machine would be an even better solution, and could be supplied in the 12v version meaning you don’t need to run a generator on the vehicle to operate it.
There are a ton of examples we could give; examples that are not ‘would-be’ scenarios, but actual situations we have seen first-hand. The bottom line is, we don’t think you can substitute human advice from experts who have been doing this for years, and have seen all the mistakes and all the bad purchases made with best intentions.
We think our Tyre Changer section on our website does a pretty good job of providing the data and the tangible benefits and differences between the extensive array of model options, but ultimately we want to speak to you and understand what you are looking for.
Some enquiries are easy.. “I already have a {insert make and model here} and I am looking for something similar or maybe a little better”. That’s easy, we know all of the machines out there inside out, so making a recommendation in that instance is the easiest enquiry we will get all day, you’ve done half of the job for us! Other enquiries, however, can be much more nuanced.
Sometimes we may get speaking to someone and it all seems straightforward until the customer says they’ve been struggling to break the bead on a specific type of rim and tyre combination, almost as a point of conversation rather than a request to address it. In this case we will know exactly what they are referring to, and we have a couple of non-standard bead breaker arms and blades (or shovels) we can fit which we know will overcome that issue. It is not that the standard one isn’t correct, it is because the customer is used to an old machine that used a different style and getting anyone to accept change is never easy. So let’s give them what they are used to!
In summary, we haven’t yet seen a guide that would convince us it is adequate for guiding anyone, novice or veteran, to the right machine without the potential of missing something vital. Our experts are there for a reason, and whilst you might not want to go for a beer with them (although they’re actually pretty fun when it comes to that too to be honest), they certainly know their way around tyre machines, and will ensure you get good, honest advice.
In the meantime, here are some key pointers that are perhaps a little less obvious than the regular mentions, but are arguably a bit more useful as a result. Instead of stating the obvious, here we will pose some questions that could provoke some more worthwhile consideration before chatting to one of our friendly team.
Are you restricted on space?
If this is the case, don’t worry! Until recently, this limitation did push people in the direction of a semi-automatic, swing-arm machine, simply because they are very frugal on footprint. However, this does bring limitations in terms of capability, speed, and in many instances quality of build. Now you can actually find some very capable space-saving tyre changers, such as the Giuliano Sbacy or the Giuliano SX229 Pro Par-Move tyre machine.
The Sbacy is actually based on the design of a traditional swing-arm, whereby the operating arm ‘swings’ to the side, but it offers the benefit of fully-automatic operation. Basically, instead of manually moving the horizontal arm in and out during operation, the main vertical column includes an automatic ‘lift’ mechanism that then swings the horizontal arm to the side without any manual intervention. It also means that the locking mechanism is automatic too, providing an ‘up and away’ movement of the demount head (or ‘finger’ in the case of leverless) at the press of a button. The Sbacy was predominantly designed for modern mobile fitting operations, who need to handle exotic rims and tyres, but are clearly limited on space in the constraints of the back of a van.
Alternatively, the Giuliano SX229 Pro Par-Move model is very much what we consider to be the future of conventional tyre machines. The SX229 uses a patented parallelogram system which, by default, also provides the strongest set-up in its class. Ideal for anyone handling high-volume, the SX229 is fast becoming the standard for lots of tyre shops and, in particular, alloy rim specialists or refurbishment facilities.
What is your ‘genuine’ clamping requirement?
This is an absolute classic of a subject, and the reason we ask it is because, in reality, we think 95% of the market DO NOT need to be worrying about 28” or 30” clamping. If you do, you will know it, and then that is fine, we can go straight to models like the Giuliano SX228 Pro, Giuliano SX229 Pro, or even the Giuliano XBoss tyre changer. However, if you are what we consider to be a fairly conventional tyre shop or garage, then chances are 24” external (and that word ‘external’ is important, because this really refers to the ability to clamp an alloy rim safely) measurement is going to be more than adequate. The problem we see is people getting starry-eyed over the ‘vanity’ of big clamping claims. The market is littered with cheap machines claiming 20” clamping, and of course the would-be buyer thinks “ well I don’t need it now but I might one day, and it must be a good machine if it can clamp that”.
Half of that reasoning has substance. Yes, one day, that additional clamping may me useful, but we know what is around the corner and it will be a long time before anything above 23” is considered ‘normal’. Also, to handle the really large diameter rims has a knock-on effect. The main column needs to be further back to compensate for the OD (Overall Diameter of rim when fitted with the tyre), and the assist arm that you will undoubtedly need if you’re handling rims of that size needs to be of a design where the angle of the roller or bead depressor accounts for the large diameter of the rim. We could point out hundreds of machines that boast 26”, 28” or even 30” clamping, that we know wouldn’t have a cat in hells chance of actually removing the tyre.
Once again, we will be able to help determine whether by being more realist on the clamping capability, you can actually get yourself some way more useful additions, or just save some money!
I don’t have 3 phase, is it ok to run a machine from a single phase, 240v supply on a 13 amp plug?
Absolutely. The answer is yes. Traditionally 3 phase was considered more durable, and there is some truth in that. It was also considered cheaper to run, and a bit more ‘torquey’. Again, some truth in that. However, in relative terms, the differences are so minimal it is not worth making this a pre-requisite for which machine you buy. Our advice is just buy what suits you. If you already have 3 ph for your existing machine and it is a case of new one in, old one out, then go for 3 phase. If you haven’t, then don’t worry about it. Nowadays most reputable 1ph machines even have variable speed options, so there really is no limitation. Plus, if you ever want to move it, it is easier. If you ever want to sell it, the market will be much bigger. We can do both, so have no axe to grind, but it is another misconception at times that one is better than the other, but there is no right or wrong, it is just what makes most sense for you.