kurt M

www.Harborfreight.com sells the above mentioned manual equipment and also sells import (Taiwanese) automatic changers and harmonic balancers. Wait for 1/2 price sales and the like as list is only fair for the import stuff and the domestic stuff is overpriced.

Larry Herman

Kurt, I saw what machines they have, and I would not buy one without the additional helper arm. It makes a hugh difference with the super stiff sidewall/ultra low profile tires. From what I saw there, the next step up would probably be around $2,500, which is about what my friend wants for the one I have. Always better to pay a few bucks more and have a live, concerned person to deal with when you need them. And while there is a lot of junk coming out of China, there is also starting to be some decent quality equipment. Just like what came from Japan 30 years ago.

kurt M

The real problems start when you need to service the equipment. In a home use scenario the equipment might last 100 years but if/when it needs repair for something or other you are likely to be out of luck. HF might still be in business but they might not support the equipment any longer.
I have a sorted out shop in the back yard and I looked into the ROI over time and it did not pay out other than the convience of being able to service the tires when and how you like. (I now work for a dealer and get access to the good stuff free ) One down side is if the tire shop messes up a tire while mounting it, they pay to replace it, when you do, you pay to replace it.

You might also end up with a bunch of fellow track rats at you door, wheels in hand, too...

Larry Herman

Yeah, the first time I am gracious, the second time I want cash!

NetManiac

I did a quick search on ebay. I found a couple $39 manual jobbies and some $1K full auto jobbies. Is there anything in between?

What I would really like to get is a small pneumatic mounter+balancer which I can keep in my trailer (folded up out of the way) for use while at the track. Seems like the only decent solution to this problem is to get a manual one though. Unless I build something myself...

fatbillybob

netmaniac,

Where the 1000 units the POS chinese units? Just as a point of referrence I bought a chinese plasma cutter. It worked for one whole cut throught some 3/16" plate as a test. Then it failed. I returned it and buying Lincoln. I thought of building one too. Sort of manual with some no sweeting hydralic features.