Tire changer

[Stephen G]

A++ For the Harbor Freight tire changers. Ive done 4-4" on mini and 2 - 8" rims on the larger manual tire changer- and did it with only 1 arm. The mini was just set on welding table with 2pins dropped in to prevent moving/spinning and larger changer just set on floor.
It was surprisingly easy with just the bars included. No more 6 guys fighting with 6 spoons on 1 tire lmao, or $15 a tire for someone else to do it.
Only 7 more 4" and 6 more 8" to go.
Small learning curve involved. Things like 1 side of 8,10,12"" rims have 1 beveled side and 1 square side on bead seat. You work from beveled side and tubeless tires are noticeable tighter/harder to get on. But all pretty self explanatory.

 

[Bobster]

I have had 2-3 full-size HF tire changers over the years. They are great for smaller automotive steel wheels. I have an old desktop I put countersunk holes in and bolts to attach the changer to. This allows me to stand on the desktop and anchor the changer while I apply leverage to the pry bar. My most latest I have drilled holes in the mounting base (5x100mm) to correspond with the bolt pattern of an alloy wheel we use around here. The included "X-cone" would scratch the shit out of the face of the wheel. I've also polished the face of the pry bar and use sections of an anti-freeze container as a glide against the wheel to avoid damage. I had someone want to give me an old Coats 20/20 and I'm like "no thanks"... A tire machine would get very little use around here--definitely not enough to pay its room and board. The HF is unbolted off the desktop after use and put in the corner. It DOES come in handy breaking beads on a lot of occasions which doesn't require mounting.

 

[Stephen G]

Im looking at making a mount to put mini on shaft of big changer.
They DO scratch lol. Cut up 4" tube to put on bottom plate of big changer. May put some 3M 90 spray on it.
Good news is They've started putting the beveled lip on rim on outside, so the scratches are never seen. 1 rim had a rust pit slap through it. Ill sand blast it and weld it up this summer.
Definitely going to polish up some stuff.
Was looking at all the addons duck head etc. Dont see a need now for what I do- small tractor, JD Gator, mower tires.
May try a 15" trailer tire just for kicks.
Started out standing out back looking at the 2 changers. Wondering how this thing works. Poof, 4" rim done, well damn- lets try the big 1. Lmao same results.