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[Webby the Bear]

So, I've been fitting tyres for about a year now. I actually really enjoy fitting them. I've no idea why lol

Any ways, our machine is, well, shit. It is run off the compressor that's shared by all the mechanics, it doesn't have the 'power assist' arms to force the tyre in the well therefore run flats, low profile and anything bigger than 17's is out of the question. And it's very old.

So coming to my discussion point for any fellow tyre fitters on the forum....

I fitted 2 Jinyu's (225/50/17) yesterday and I was expecting a real fight. In the end they went on easy. Pryed the tyre down in the well whilst pressing it down as well. Popped on easy.

I fitted 2 shit budget tyres (195/50/15) today and thought they'd be easy. It took me 4 or 5 attempts to bead them up.

Now one thing I did note was that normally budget tyres have side walls made of cheese (really soft) and therefore easily slot on. And normally the mid range / better quality have harder sidewalls. But these budget ones were rock hard.

So is it the case that actually the size is irrelevant and it's the actual hardness of the sidewall that determines its ease of firment?

Any comments welcome

[biggriffin]

Try fitting a 35 profile, 20"  the words wanna fight 

[plym ian]

I remember the worst wheels to blow tyres up on were carlton wheels the alloy ones. We could never get them to pop on the rim. Had to use a special tool.

[Webby the Bear]

20" rims. Wouldn't even attempt it. 

Obviously if you have a really good machine with the power arms it shouldn't be an issue at all. But for poor buggers like me having to struggle with a poor machine you sometimes have to employ some creative thinking.

The other thing our machine lacks is the jets of air from the turn table to help set the bead. Therefore we've occasionally had to shove plastic seat covers down the side to keep the air in lol then brake one bead and retrieve seat cover and blow it up again.

With a decent machine none of this would be an issue

[biggriffin]

20" rims. Wouldn't even attempt it. 

Obviously if you have a really good machine with the power arms it shouldn't be an issue at all. But for poor buggers like me having to struggle with a poor machine you sometimes have to employ some creative thinking.

The other thing our machine lacks is the jets of air from the turn table to help set the bead. Therefore we've occasionally had to shove plastic seat covers down the side to keep the air in lol then brake one bead and retrieve seat cover and blow it up again.

With a decent machine none of this would be an issue

Trouble is young bear, you have played with/or seen some of the latest tyre Tec, I was referring to a standard type machine, (bead breaker,rotary deck-clamp, and arm. Not these new fangled auto Hoffman's.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I'm just about to change a front tyre using only the strength in my hands.

3.50 x 8.

[Viral_Jim]

I'm just about to change a front tyre using only the strength in my hands.

3.50 x 8.

I didn't know you had a smart car in the fleet?   

[Nick W]

I'm just about to change a front tyre using only the strength in my hands.

3.50 x 8.

Wheelbarrow?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I'm just about to change a front tyre using only the strength in my hands.

3.50 x 8.

Wheelbarrow?

Yes....but will also fit a Smart car.

[Webby the Bear]

20" rims. Wouldn't even attempt it. 

Obviously if you have a really good machine with the power arms it shouldn't be an issue at all. But for poor buggers like me having to struggle with a poor machine you sometimes have to employ some creative thinking.

The other thing our machine lacks is the jets of air from the turn table to help set the bead. Therefore we've occasionally had to shove plastic seat covers down the side to keep the air in lol then brake one bead and retrieve seat cover and blow it up again.

With a decent machine none of this would be an issue

Trouble is young bear, you have played with/or seen some of the latest tyre Tec, I was referring to a standard type machine, (bead breaker,rotary deck-clamp, and arm. Not these new fangled auto Hoffman's.

Well that's the thing BG; what you describe is what we do have! Bead breaker, turn table and single arm. I get jealous when the mobile fitter comes out to fit some run flats for us as his kit is awesome. 😢

Sadly the garage won't invest in a decent one with all the power assist gubbins 😢