Hunter Engineering Co., a maker of alignment systems, wheel and tire service, brake service and inspection lane equipment, introduced its new TCX575 leverless rim clamp tire changer that the company said combines traditional design elements with advanced capabilities to service everything from simple steel wheels to challenging low-profile tires on large-diameter rims.
The TCX575’s automatic swing-arm saves space over tilt-column designs, Hunter explained, adding that with the push of a button, the swing arm locks to preset wheel diameter and width positions to speed service of same-size wheels.
The twin-cylinder tabletop clamping system handles 12- to 30-in. wheels and adjusts to two work positions. The manufacturer said the table design allows easy access to the bottom bead while ensuring rigidity for large diameter wheels.
Hunter said the powerful 110V/220V motor with two-speed drive system operates at a low speed with increased torque to prevent damage to wheels and tire beads when servicing tough combinations. Technicians can apply the faster speed when servicing less difficult assemblies, the company noted.
The leverless tool head operates with one switch to smoothly insert itself and lift the bead over the rim edge easily. The elimination of bead levers lessens the stress on the operator and prevents potential damage to beads and rims, the company said.
The bead press system includes multiple pressing arms and a locking lower roller disc arm to aid in clamping, lubricating, demounting and mounting difficult wheels. The wheel press arms simplify external clamping and aid in blocking and pressing stiff low-profile tire beads into deep drop-center wheels. The locking lower arm helps lift heavy tires during demounting and holds tires in place while spinning the rim to complete match-mounting service. An optional pneumatic wheel lift is available to assist the operator with heavy assemblies, the maker added.
