Mobile tyre fitting machinery requires a lot more consideration than many people realise. It is not as simple as taking standard machines, designed to go in a workshop, and then putting a generator on (actually, plenty of people do that, but it is not recommended way!).
Tyre machines ideally want to be operation from a 12v supply and, needless to say, as compact as possible. However, making anything compact can have a detrimental effect on what it can do – and who wants to spend all this money and turn up to a job and not be able to fit a highly profitable set of tyres because the rims are too large or too wide?!
Likewise, the wheel balancer needs to have the same attributes – compact yet capable. Additionally, the electronics need to have been designed and manufactured with mobile use in mind. This means movement (think of a windy day, balancers don’t like external movement) and humidity (again, think of the condensation when you open the doors on a winters morning). All of our machines have been designed from the ground up for mobile operations, and having been in this game from the very advent of mobile tyre fitting, it is no surprise we have perfected the products.
We have 3 tyre changers recommended for mobile use, and all of them are what we would consider to be ‘high performance’. Between these 3 models, we can accommodate the type of vehicle and budget.
SX116 Pro TYRE CHANGER
$99.99
Semi-Automatic
10” to 26” Clamping
14” Rim Width Capability
12V Operation
Space-Saving Assist Arm
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SX118 Pro TYRE CHANGER
$99.99
Semi-Automatic
10” to 26” Clamping
16” Rim Width Capability
12V Operation
HP Evo Assist Arm
Wider-opening Bead Breaker
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Sbacy TYRE CHANGER
$99.99
Fully-Automatic
10” to 26” Clamping
14” Rim Width Capability
12V Operation
Various Assist Arm Options
Wider-opening Bead Breaker
Leverless Operation
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P20 Wheel Balancer
$99.99
Professional Installation
Whilst many customers self-install, we do have professional installation partners, who can carry out bespoke ‘fit-outs’, and include a whole array of valuable options such as compressed air systems, storage, lighting, signwriting etc. Please enquire and we will be happy to pass on details of recommended partners.
What essential equipment is needed for a mobile tyre repair business?
Arguably the 3 most important elements after the vehicle itself are the tyre changer, wheel balancer and compressor. Remember, this is essentially a tyre shop on wheels, and to be as capable as a regular workshop it is crucial that the correct type of machinery is used.
Can I just put a cheap tyre changer and balancer on, as these tend to be the smallest?
Well you can, but it won’t be the best choice. Cheap machines are limited in their capability, so even though they may save on space and money, when you have to turn away a set of tyres for a prestigious SUV because you can’t guarantee you can change the tyres without damaging them, it will seem like a false economy. Whilst many do put standard equipment on a van, this is normally through lack of good advice. Machines for mobile application are adapted for the task and the environment. At Giuliano, we manufacture equipment that is designed and built specifically for installation into a van, and we ensure that they are as capable as machines you would buy for a regular workshop. Additionally, they are not standard in terms of the operating systems, with factors like humidity and vibration being the enemy of ‘standard’ or cheap tyre machines. The 12v motor we use is designed for the task, and our balancers have specially coated PCB’s to factor in the condensation during the colder mornings.
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How much does a complete mobile tyre fitting setup typically cost?
That depends on the extent and level of equipment, tooling and furniture. If you buy cheap equipment (the sort we don’t recommend!) and fit it your self then you could probably equip a van for as little as £2000, but we wouldn’t suggest that gives you good enough reliability or capability to rely on for your living. Conversely, you could spend 5 times that if you have a higher level of equipment and bespoke furniture for housing tools and consumables etc. What we do know from having done this for many years, is that those who do it on a shoestring inevitably end up replacing the equipment early. When you look at the most prominent and successful mobile tyre fitting operations, they will normally have, at the very least, dedicated equipment capable of handling all tyres and rims, a reliable compressor with plenty of air supply (not only because it is good to have plenty of air, but also because the engine isn’t working so hard), and a degree of storage and useful tools such as hose reels etc. It is no coincidence that if you looked inside a van owned by one of the major chains, they are extremely well-equipped. That is not because they are a big company and ‘can afford it’ as some may think, it is because they have learned the hard way how a van needs to be equipped.
Can I install the equipment myself?
Absolutely, lots of people do this. However, we recommend having it professionally installed. Your own time is not free, and the people we partner to do installations have done it for years and know the best way to hook up to the battery, route cabling, position machines for even weight distribution, and a whole lot more. We don’t make anything out of fitting, but we always recommend having it done by experts.
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