Tire Changing

[WheelHorse_of_course 100]

Last time I had to change a small tire it cost me nearly 20 bucks. I had a freind pick it up for me so I did not get the chance to tell them my "opinion" of the price.

Since I had 2 tires from my Cushman 3-wheeled on-road haulster, and 2 tires on my Charger that needed changing I was particularly irked by the situation.

So I looked around on ebay and elsewhere and it looked like I was talking 60+ to get a tire changer. Then I looked on craig's list and found a NIB Harbor Freight tire changer for $30.

I have no garage and was not about to drill holes in the rented house so I mounted it on a piece of plywood. I mixed some Murphy's oil soap with water to use as a lubricant.

My first job was to remove the 40 year old tire from the Charger's 40 year old rim. This tire had a slow leak when I got the charger and the side wall broke open. This went smoothly.

Next I needed to remove the 23-12-8 tire from the donor rim (I picked those up on Craig's List 2 years ago.

Ooops!! These rims were from a cheap modern tractor that has no hubs. The axle hole was too small to fit over the changer. So put a piece of pipe down the middle while it lying on the floor and then use the 3 foot long tire iron that came with the tire changer.

Only two hands! The only way to keep the tire still was with my knee. Surprisingly, I was able to get it off.<_<

I then removed the 12" cushman tire and replaced the tire. This is rather narrow. I have put a strap around it and while I could get it to inflate using a hand pump, I think if I can get it to a real source of compressed air it will probably seat the bead.

The charger wheel was rusty inside, so I need to paint it before I put the replacement tire on it.

Overall I am happy with my efforts so far!

:thumbs:

[fireman 1,022]

I bought one too this past spring. Works great on the 6X12 and larger tires. Well worth the money and beats using large screw drivers as spoons. Does not work at all like previously said on the smaller front tires. I got mine on sale for $39.

I see they have an attachment for motorcycle tires that mounts on top of the other one and should work on the smaller tires. I plan on picking one up next time I'm at harbor freight and it's on sale .

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[wallfish 18,792]

For a long time I just used screwdrivers, tire spoons and a bottle jack under my hitch to break the beads.

I finally broke down and bought the two sizes that Harbor Frieght sells. H F tire changer page They were a little cheaper than they sell for now.

I like'em. Easily breaks the beads and changes the tires. I think the smaller bench top one will work for all size GT tires but I use the bigger one for 12" rims and car tires. The front rims won't fit on the bigger model. I've seen tire lubricant for sale which is supposed to help with rust prevention and seal it but I just use dish soap and water.

[bork 0]

Good to know, thanks. I've wrestled with 8" wheels in the grass, & thought I'd never win. Or get hurt!

[WheelHorse_of_course 100]

The thing I like about the smaller HF unit is that you can put it in a vice and therefore can avoid it taking too much space when not used.

Happy Thanksgiving. Among the many thanks I have a great group to share Horse stories with is one of them.

Best regards to all.

:notworthy:

[can whlvr 994]

sounds like a good tool to own,any pics of the changer or is it the same as fireman posted,thanks?

[fireman 1,022]

Here is the regular tire changer:

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[fireman 1,022]

This is the mini:

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[can whlvr 994]

nice thanks

[gwgdog66 23]

This is the mini:

I have this one, and it works great.

[Rollerman 290]

I have the larger type & have found it pretty handy.

Even if I can't get a rim to fit the machine the bead breaker is a valuable tool.

Some day I'll get over to HB for the mini version.

Still dislike messing with 6" & 8" rims so maybe the mini would be the way to go.

[sorekiwi 761]

My Father in Law has a large sized tire machine he wants me to mount in my garage, but I really dont want to lose the space. My solution for financially challenged people like myself that want to spend money on tractors instead of tools!

Bead Breaker:

It bolts to the reciever on my truck

It could use a little refinement, but its never failed me yet.

Tire Changer:

Rears just bolt onto the hub, for fronts I knock out the wheel bearings and then they'll drop over the "pole". They dont seem to need to be secured.

For spoons I use these: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/sto...970_14318_14318

They are excellent and work great. A little expensive, but made in the USA, and once you've used them you'll never use the nasty, chipping chrome Harbor Fright ones again.

Northern also has the same mini-tire changer, as well as others

[HorseFixer 2,013]

This is the mini:

Jeff that's the same one that I got last year Fom Harbor Freight, when this same discussion came up and you guys talked me into it! Mine works great! and just took the Front tires off the C-120 a couple days ago got the rims repainted and changing them to the Firestone 3 Ribbed jobbies Today a matter of fact! Will post some pics of the 3 ribb jobbies later. :thumbs:

[bork 0]

My Father in Law has a large sized tire machine he wants me to mount in my garage, but I really dont want to lose the space. My solution for financially challenged people like myself that want to spend money on tractors instead of tools!

Bead Breaker:

It bolts to the reciever on my truck

It could use a little refinement, but its never failed me yet.

Tire Changer:

Rears just bolt onto the hub, for fronts I knock out the wheel bearings and then they'll drop over the "pole". They dont seem to need to be secured.

For spoons I use these: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/sto...970_14318_14318

They are excellent and work great. A little expensive, but made in the USA, and once you've used them you'll never use the nasty, chipping chrome Harbor Fright ones again.

Northern also has the same mini-tire changer, as well as others

good one ! Thanks. :notworthy: