The guys and I are thinking we are tired of the local tire shops scratching our wheels so 5 of us are looking into purchasing a tire mounting machine.
One of us,me, will be doing 200tw auto cross tires,the other 4 will be doing drag slicks on up to 15x14" wheels. Most use will be 15-18" wheels max 14" wide.
What brands should we look at ,and of course avoid. Most complete with good accessory support as well.
I think most of the cheap brands are at least okay these days. The limiting factor is going to be width, for 14" wide wheels you're going to need either an extra tall machine or I think some manufacturers sell spacers to add height. We have a Derek Weaver machine and it's been good for a few years now, but even as the bigger of their two offerings it has juuuust barely enough clearance for 315s on 12" wheels.
I've been happy with my Atlas TC289 and WB-41 balancer for all sizes of 200tw stuff and the occasional Hoosier + daily driver stuff. Always been able to find consumable parts although it does appear both Greg Smith Equipment / Tooltopia have stopped online retail. They seem to share parts with other brands, so that helps.
I'd expect the TC289 could do the 15x14 setup if the tire tread isn't too stiff (I've never mounted drag tires). Have done 18x12 with 315's but not much extra height to the duckhead arm. I'm glad I got one with the electric table because it uses less air that way and the compressor can recharge after breaking the bead.
I'd recommend getting an assist arm for low profile 200tw stuff. Some get by with the little clamps that hold the tire in the drop center. Plastic duckhead and plastic covers for the shovel, tire iron, and jaws. And a cheetah inflator for floppy truck tires. And a balancer because you'll want to do non-racing tires. And a patch/plug system because you'll want to do that yourself too (I use the xtra seal kit).
You'll need to log in to post.
