I found a 40-40 Coates about 100 miles away...$600 and supposedly all there and working. I need to do more homework before plunging I think. But is it an example of some right thinking?
race cars, street cars, trailers, 1 ton truck, etc.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1465207467248909/
Nope. That is for steel wheels.
it runs the bar around the top of the wheel to remove the tire.
They are dodo's and I'd be surprised if they could get $100 for it.
on a side note, I went to pick up wheels from a little shop I had dropped off to have new tires put on (because I don't trust shops to move my cars around and remove and install wheels without messing something up)
they were pristine wheels from my wife's 4-runner. After loading one up I noticed silver flakes. Then I noticed that all of the wheels had lips that were chewed up. I asked them which machine they used and sure enough, it was that one.
i should have insisted on them replacing the wheels but it was a cash deal with me dropping off the wheels and tires, they were a small shop and I didn't even consider that they could run it through insurance. It was a nightmare dealing with the paint shop they asked me to use to have them repainted.
jfryjfry said:Nope. That is for steel wheels.
it runs the bar around the top of the wheel to remove the tire.
They are dodo's and I'd be surprised if they could get $100 for it.
on a side note, I went to pick up wheels from a little shop I had dropped off to have new tires put on (because I don't trust shops to move my cars around and remove and install wheels without messing something up)
they were pristine wheels from my wife's 4-runner. After loading one up I noticed silver flakes. Then I noticed that all of the wheels had lips that were chewed up. I asked them which machine they used and sure enough, it was that one.
i should have insisted on them replacing the wheels but it was a cash deal with me dropping off the wheels and tires, they were a small shop and I didn't even consider that they could run it through insurance. It was a nightmare dealing with the paint shop they asked me to use to have them repainted.
So, having said that, what type of used machine am I hunting for?
I have this set and have been very pleased with it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/A-1-5-HP-Tire-Changer-Wheel-Balancer-Machine-Combo-580-680-Free-Shipping-/372335848217?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
We were hoping to get in for hundreds, not thousands. But, about 50% of our goods would be rolling on aluminum, 50% on steel.
I helped my friend pick up a used Coates 7060 EX along with a Geodyna 40 balancer, I think he paid around $1500 CAD for the pair. They're both in rough cosmetic shape but functional, both would benefit from a good clean up and the tire machine could use a once over of all the air lines and quick disconnects to get things in top form. That model of tire machine uses an electric motor to spin the wheel so it actually doesn't require that much air to function but if the bead doesn't want to seat it can take a while to recharge the reservoir before trying again. The 7060 is nice as it has the extra arm that can be used to press down or pull up on the sidewall as you mount and dismount tires, it also has extra air blasters on the table to help get tires to bead.
In reply to jh36 :
You are probably looking for a used swing arm machine. When I was looking I had zero luck finding one.
yep, most of the used Coats that came from shops were usually retired for a reason! Is a used coats that needs work better than a new chinese changer - at the same price? Hard to say - if I had a tire shop its probably a no brainer, but the hobby shop in the garage? I've hear lots of good things on the chinese changers, I'm tempted.
So - looking on ebay, I see some with / without the assist arm. Is the assist arm worth an extra $700? I also see a lot of companies selling them cheap and put a website just under the auction title. One led me to this - $1100 for real? Elsewhere on the website it states free shipping & they have a CA address and phone number.. That seems scammy cheap.
Kendall_Jones said:Is the assist arm worth an extra $700?
To me, that's an emphatic yes. While not necessary for high aspect ration tires, they make low profile and race tires substantially easier.
I inquired about importing some machines from China/Taiwan. My importer at work can get them and is looking for a distributor.
Then I dropped it.
Good story eh?
Toyman! said:Kendall_Jones said:Is the assist arm worth an extra $700?
To me, that's an emphatic yes. While not necessary for high aspect ration tires, they make low profile and race tires substantially easier.
I've contemplated adding an assist arm to my machine for this reason.
Lof8 - Andy said:Toyman! said:Kendall_Jones said:Is the assist arm worth an extra $700?
To me, that's an emphatic yes. While not necessary for high aspect ration tires, they make low profile and race tires substantially easier.
I've contemplating adding an assist arm to my machine for this reason.
If you cant get an assist arm, get a set of clamps like below. I dont have the assist arm, but have been able to get by with these, and couldnt without. They work really really well.
https://www.amazon.com/Sutekus-Tire-Changer-Clamp-Center/dp/B07MFNJJVK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OSI7CXY7IRHK&keywords=Tire+Changer+Bead+Clamp+Drop+Center+Tool&qid=1645634599&sprefix=tire+changer+bead+clamp+drop+center+tool%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-2
Some friends have a setup from Atlas Equipment they bought through a local retailer.
https://www.atlasautoequipment.com/product-category/wheel-service-equipment/tire-changers
This is the specific stuff (or close given they got theirs a while ago)
https://www.atlasautoequipment.com/products/wheel-service-equipment/tire-changers/tc229
https://www.atlasautoequipment.com/products/wheel-service-equipment/wheel-balancers/wb11
No complaints. The only thing he has done was lengthen the vertical post (via welding) to accommodate 11" wheels.
TR7 (Forum Supporter) said:Lof8 - Andy said:Toyman! said:Kendall_Jones said:Is the assist arm worth an extra $700?
To me, that's an emphatic yes. While not necessary for high aspect ration tires, they make low profile and race tires substantially easier.
I've contemplating adding an assist arm to my machine for this reason.
If you cant get an assist arm, get a set of clamps like below. I dont have the assist arm, but have been able to get by with these, and couldnt without. They work really really well.
https://www.amazon.com/Sutekus-Tire-Changer-Clamp-Center/dp/B07MFNJJVK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=OSI7CXY7IRHK&keywords=Tire+Changer+Bead+Clamp+Drop+Center+Tool&qid=1645634599&sprefix=tire+changer+bead+clamp+drop+center+tool%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-2
Sweet! Ordered! I had tried a different style that wasn't real effective.
I have the most basic version of the Mayflower tire machine, no assist arm, and am quite happy with it- I'm mostly mounting 15" rally and snow tires though.
I didn't get a balancer but probably should have since I haven't really found many deals on used ones. It doesn't matter for the race tires but would be nice to have for other stuff.
In reply to Lof8 - Andy :
It requires a bit of patience to figure out a bit of technique, for stubborn tires you need to keep one locked where you first dropped the bead into the rim from the machine and leave it, and then walk the second back as you rotate the wheel and fit the rest of the tire. But at least you wont be breaking a sweat, fingers, or tire irons anymore.
Like the video below. For some reason whenever someone first tries my machine they always want to place the clamp opposite of the duckbill and 50/50 if it works out of them.
We just got a mounter and balancer from BendPak. Combined it was right around $8k worth of stuff, but at our previous rate of mounting with a local shop they will pay for themselves in les than two years. However, we expect our mounting and balancing rate to be higher now since we can do it whenever we want, so the payback period should be considerably smaller.
My recommendation would be to not be afraid of new stuff. It's more expensive, yes, but the warranty and service support may make it worth the additional cost. Even the best cheap machine is a boat anchor if it breaks and you can't fix it.
Editorial and video coming soon.
Don't be afraid of an older machine. I use my old Coates 30/30 with aluminum wheels using nylon covers over the arm to avoid scuffing the rims. I believe I got them from my local NAPA.
In reply to jh36 :
I've balanced tires using a plate hanging from the rafter. It slides over a cone with a bubble level. Once the level is square I pick up the tire and place weights around the rim until the level is square.
I have a bead breaker and several sets of tire irons. Yes it's a sweat inducing process. 
Wow!!! Just checked in after a busy day...you guys have given me plenty to chew on.
Diving in....thank you.
jh36 said:jfryjfry said:Nope. That is for steel wheels.
it runs the bar around the top of the wheel to remove the tire.
They are dodo's and I'd be surprised if they could get $100 for it.
So, having said that, what type of used machine am I hunting for?
I think the term "Rim Clamp" is a good starting point at a minimum. (as opposed to the older machines where the center post spins ala the "40-40" style dodo)
OK - so my ebay combo 988 / 680 and balancer arrive friday!
I saw some youtuber mounted his changer on wheels - good idea? Seemed like it would be OK.
Anything else overlooked when setting these up? Source for tire changer supplies (weights / lube / etc)?
In reply to Kendall_Jones :
On occasion, you need to manhandle whatever is on the machine. If you put it on wheels, make sure they lock and you can't turn the machine over. Also make sure you bead breaker doesn't end up too far off the floor.
Most of my supplies come from Amazon.
Edit to add, Wear gloves and watch your fingers.
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