Tire Changer

[Franz]

I built this for small tires, such as lawnmowers. The unit is set up on a verticle square tube receiver. similar to reese, made from sign post.
The top & bottom clamping devices are 2" pipe with a 5/8 rod running thru the pipes to provide the clamping. The cutout proviodes clearance for grease fittings usually found in the hubs.
The lower clamping pipe has part of a chain link welded on so a bolt can be dropped thru a hole in the rim to provide better holding while a bar is used to mount or dismount the tire.

[pjslawncare/Landscap]

Interesting Franz. Im sure picture doesnt do justice. That device hold rim so ample leverage can be applied as neccesary im guessing. Any provisions for breaking stubborn beads? Thats the biggest problem I have. I usually end up laying wheel on ground and driving truck on tire to break stubborn beads, then use liquid dish soap.

[Franz]

I generally use a truck bead breaker bar & hammer to knock them off before I put the rim on the fixture. Murphy's oil soap half & half with water is about the slickest for removal, and I use Frygrease when I mount tires.
After some farting around with various bars, a buddy loaned me his genuine Coats small tire bar, and I copied it. I'll try to remember to get some good pics and post them.
This system loves anything above 6", and will do 4" with some muscle and swearing. It sure beats chasin em around the shop, and the clamping system Caots sells.
Don't go tellin them LawnSite guys about this though, or they'll all be tryin to make one.

[pjslawncare/Landscap]

Mums the word

[Brainfarth]

When I was 18 I worked for my first tire outfit. To break me in, the guys had be breaking down semi-tires by hand.. then they had me torquing log truck trailers tires when they were on top of the trucks. If that wasn't enough, I had to do all the motorcycle tires(but Ive done those all my life since I ride dirt bikes) and lawn mowers and wheelbarrows tires.. Of all the tires I've done, lawnmowers come in seccond to wheelbarrow tires(for which I have cussed to more than any longshoreman has in his life). I swear that someone stold my quote"You don't want to make me angry. You won't like me when I'm angry."

[Franz]

Were they nice enough to give you a torque ampifier and let you set the brakes on those log trailers?