Tire fitting for trucks: overview, specifications, types and reviews

High-quality service in a car-care centerIt is impossible without modern technological equipment. For the tire fitting workshop the central place in the list of tools is occupied by a stand (or machine), on which the operations of removing, pressing and installing rubber are directly performed. For trucks, massive machines are used, which, moreover, can provide a higher power impact. But in this segment there are different proposals, options and modifications of equipment. Choosing the right tire changer for trucks will help you know its features, technical parameters and functional equipment.

What is the stand design?

The components of a typical stand can be divided intoseveral groups - supporting elements, clamping accessories, power mechanisms and auxiliary devices. The load bearing elements include an easel platform with legs or supports - this part is realized in different ways, but in any case stability and stability are important for it. As for the clamping devices, they are made up of a console, hydraulic equipment, a spring and in some operations a turntable. In the working process, the power filling is already in operation, which drives the tire changer. The description of this part of the equipment depends on the type of drive, but in modern machines it is realized by pneumatics. This mechanism allows you to save time operator, coping with heavy loads. In some models, the manual operating principle still remains, but it is rather characteristic of the stands intended for servicing cars. Machines for trucks today tend to gravitate towards automation, which will be discussed below.

Varieties

Indeed, drive-by-type separationname key for the classification of tire changers. Again, manual mechanics to consider there is no sense, since it was preserved only in museums, but not in modern car-care centers. If we talk about traditional and conservative solutions, then such will include semi-automatic units. As a power unit, they use hydraulics or pneumatics, but the operator brings it into operation, too, manually, but with minimal effort. These are cheap machines that differ in the reliability of the design, but even the outward appearance does not save them from technological obsolescence against the background of fully automated counterparts. The possibilities that the tire automatic truck stand gives, go far beyond the ergonomics alone. Interaction with the drive and the functional of the unit is carried out by means of a remote - wire or remote. The operator sets the speed, clamping force and other parameters that the machine will work with. Then, by pressing one button, the user starts the workflow. In several stages, the technician independently performs the wheel renewal.

Operational characteristics

The main operating characteristic is the diameter of the wheel,with which in principle the machine can work. But with it you need to consider the width of the product. As a rule, these are interrelated parameters. So, the maximum wheel diameter for trucks is 90-98 inches. This is the limit value, at least for common equipment, which often uses the services of tire fitting. These values ​​should be oriented as a maximum indicator of the diameter of the tires. But this does not mean that this value should be finite. The middle segment, too, should not be ignored. Universal machines, for example, also cope with diameters of 59-63 inches. As for the width, it is better to choose equipment for cargo tire fitting, designed for a format of 30-59 inches. Wide coverage will do good in this case, as the workshop will receive more customers.

Power Specifications

The machines are usually operated by an electric motor. Another thing is that some models are powered by 220 V electric mains, and others - from a three-phase 380 V outlet. In general, the power range can be represented in the corridor from 1 to 3 kW or more. It is in the case with the wheels of trucks that we are talking about exceeding the threshold by 3 kW and, accordingly, about connecting to the 380 V network. But even in this category there are exceptions if a pneumatic drive with a compressor unit was introduced into the working infrastructure. Such additions minimize the load on the network, replenishing it by supplying compressed air under pressure. But will the combined truck tire changer justify itself in practice? Completely justified in the event that the focus is on energy efficiency. Pneumatics reduces not only the effort from the electric motor, but also the cost of electricity. True, the connection of the compressor technically complicates the complex and requires deeper maintenance.

Dimensions of machines

Stands for car maintenance are famouslarge sizes, but in this case we are talking about a small area. For modestly sized machines, 6-8 m2 is required, taking into account not only the equipment itself, but also the technological service area. If you count each centimeter in a close room, then you should prefer small-sized stands - in the market you can find boxes with the parameters of 90 to 100 cm. But in this case there is a risk of excessive constraint of the work process. Therefore, the optimal solution will still be equipment for cargo tire mounting format 180-200 cm. Plus, there should be approximately a meter radius for the freedom of movement of the installer.

Functional provision

Fashion trend among manufacturerstire fitting equipment was the inclusion in the complex stands of the "third hand". This is an option due to which the operator can press the rim of the tire during its mounting on the disk. In addition, the "hand" copes well with low-profile rubber, which is often abandoned in conventional workshops. The modern tire changer for trucks is less often dispensed with without the function of pumping tires. Using a complete gun connected to the same compressor, the operator can fill the truck tire with air in just a few minutes.

Price issue

The cost of the stand is determined by the setfactors, among which technical characteristics, sizes, optional set, power pack data, etc. If we talk about the initial level, the cargo tire changer in Moscow can cost 50-70 thousand rubles. This will be a good-quality design with a minimum set of additional functions and average power, but to perform typical actions it will do.

In terms of manufacturers, it is better to refer to brandsTrommelberg, AE & T and Sivik. These are specialized manufacturers of equipment for vehicles, which are trusted by professionals. Another thing is that it will be an expensive tire changer for trucks, whose price even in the middle category can reach 200-300 thousand.

Advice of experts on the choice

Professional employees of auto repair shopsrecommend focusing on high-tech solutions. They allow you to attract new customers with their novelty and functionality. As for the design and dimensions, in this part it is desirable to look into the future. The machine should be compact, which will allow to expand it optionally, adding other tools to the working area. For example, a powerful tire changer for trucks, which operates on a 380 V network, will necessarily require an addition in the form of a generator set. In the event of voltage drops, it can replace the power supply.

Conclusion

The latest models of mounting equipment forauto shops are less characterized by productivity, and more - by ergonomics and functionality. And the efficiency is also not a censure. Automation adequately copes with its tasks even without the direct involvement of the operator. Moreover, cargo tire changers, stands and boxes for pumping tires are actively interfaced with computer diagnostic equipment. The simplest example is the display system, which not only records the pressure readings, notifies the operator about them, but also gives information about the temperature, the state of the rubber and other properties of the product being serviced. The expansion of diagnostic capabilities, in turn, allows for more precise coordination of the mechanics of the stand, which is a new stage in the development of tire fitting equipment.