Tire and wheel balancers continue to become more sophisticated. Many now incorporate onboard LCD touch screens with easy-to-understand graphics and step-by-step instructions to help even inexperienced tire technicians properly perform each procedure.
The Ranger Products DST-2420 wheel balancer
The balancers’ fast, precise spin mechanisms save time. High-tech electronics accurately measure and correct imbalances in three dimensions to minimize wheel vibration at high speeds. LED indicators show exact weight placement while software helps to minimize weight usage. Included here are some machines that improve tire wear and safety for the customer and have the potential to increase productivity and enhance profitability for your shop.
DST-2420 Wheel Balancer
The Ranger Products DST-2420 wheel balancer features the company’s Direct-Axis drive system and multi-directional quartz piezoelectric load sensors to calculate the exact weight needed to achieve optimal balance within a hundredth of an ounce. According to the maker, a single digital rotation encoder measures both longitudinal, transversal and shear effects for multi-directional force
The Hunter Road Force GSP9700
unbalance detection. These sensors are extremely sensitive and offer superior long-term stability. LED rolling wheel indicators show weight positions as the wheel rolls to top-dead center, and the wheel graphic interface touch panel simplifies speed entry of wheel data while guiding technicians through balancing procedures.
bendpak.com
Road Force GSP9700
The Hunter Road Force GSP9700 features a “road roller” to apply pressure against the tire to measure the tire/wheel assembly as it would perform under the weight of the vehicle. The manufacturer says this simulated road test quickly identifies and diagnoses tire- and wheel-related vibration and pull problems. The balancer also uses this capability to find the stiffest area of a tire’s sidewall and then measures runout to find the lowest spot on a wheel to be marked and match-mounted, canceling vibration caused by radial force variation. Other features include: SmartWeight balancing technology to reduce wheel weight costs 30% to 40%, speed service and ensure a better overall balance; StraightTrak Lateral Force Measurement to assess the lateral forces in tires that cause pulls and drifts and generate a tire placement plan to best resolve the problem; and TPMSpecs, a TPMS database that presents reset procedures on-screen. The Road Force also supports other features like weight-placement lasers,
The Coseng C388D truck tire/wheel balancer
automatic center-mount check, weight-mode detection and an integrated wheel lift, according to Hunter.
hunter.com
C388D Balancer
The Coseng C388D truck tire/wheel balancer is designed with a digital signal processor and single-chip circuitry for reliability, speed and accuracy when balancing high-tech OE and aftermarket tire/wheel assemblies, according to its maker. The balancer automatically calculates the exact weight needed to achieve an optimal balance for almost any tire and wheel configuration, and large, brightly displayed LEDs quickly mark the exact amount and location. Features that include dynamic, static and performance alloy settings allow OE tire/wheel configurations and performance tire/wheel assemblies to be balanced with minimal effort and speed, the company said. Dual-component piezoelectric quartz load sensors combined with a single digital rotation encoder measure both longitudinal, transversal and shear effects for multi-directional force unbalance detection.
Bee Line's Smart Balancer
On-the-vehicle balancing is the recommended practice for balancing heavy-duty truck tires and wheels. By leaving the tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle, a technician not only balances the assembly, he balances the hub and the drum in relationship to the truck’s suspension, according to Bee Line, which said its Smart Balancer replaces the old strobe-type balancer with a new unit that anyone can use. From initial set-up through the completion of the balance, the technician is prompted by a simple touch screen pad on the balancer console. In a few short spins, the touch screen illustrates the exact amount of weight and the exact position that weight should be added to the wheel. This process removes the chance for error and dramatically decreases the time it takes to balance each assembly, according to Bee Line.
beeline-co.com
Model 1250-3DV
The Coats top-of-the-line Model 1250-3DV features a commercial-grade LCD flat-screen that walks technicians through the balancing process with life-like animation. According to the manufacturer – Hennessy Industries – the 1.5 hp direct drive motor gives speed and long-term performance, and improves balancing speed, accuracy and dependability compared to belt-drive systems. No more punching in data manually: with the swipe of an arm, 3-D Auto Data Entry sensors automatically measure all three parameters for analyzing the balance. The onboard Laser Guidance System pinpoints the proper weight position. Plus, it just as easily handles those tricky behind the spoke balances that are often most time consuming, the maker said.
ammcoats.com
B340 Evo ELD R2
The B340 Evo ELD R2 from Tesco of America features an electronic locking device for quick clamping and radial and lateral runout measuring
The B340 Evo ELD R2 from Tesco of America
devices. New mechanics and shaft, plus silent slow speed rotation, are enhanced by the addition of an optimal positioning system for application of adhesive weights, according to the company. An Easy Spoke function is said to make it easier to define the spokes behind which the operator can place hidden weights. The available color LCD monitor offers high-resolution graphics and simplified user interface. Compact-flash memory is used for quick software updating. The unbalance value detection precision is 1 gram (1/10th of an ounce), Tesco reported.
tescoofamerica.com
EM8570 QL-RR
The “QL” in the Corghi EM8570 QL-RR name stands for Quick-Lock pneumatic rim clamping for a secure hold on the wheel, while the “RR” represents the Radial wheel Runout measurement program to optimize the rim and wheel assembly. The new optimization system involves fewer and simpler operations compared with the traditional procedure, Corghi noted. Inner and outer sensors allow the machine to automatically enter all the wheel dimensions. With variable balancing speed, the balancer detects the wheel weight and selects the optimal speed to reduce cycle times by up to 60%,
said the manufacturer. Series 85 balancers support separate work environments so three operators can use the machine without reconfiguring the tire/wheel data. Alu-P programs allow for balancing of tires with alloy wheels by measuring their exact profile, and the Hidden Weight program makes it possible to conceal the balancing weights behind the wheel spokes.
corghiusa.us
WP8300 Wheel Balancer
The newest piece of tire service equipment from Wheel Products by McCourt is the WP8300 Wheel Balancer. Manufactured exclusively for McCourt and designed for use by the professional tire service technician, this tire/wheel balancer features an LCD display to make calibration quick and easy. The space-saving hood and ergonomic design increase the operator’s safety, as well. According to McCourt, this balancer comes equipped with a hidden weight program, is accurate to one gram and can be programmed for use by multiple operators. It also includes an easy-to-use automatic data entry system, complete tire/wheel optimization program and a weight saver program. The balancer works on tires with a diameter
McCourt's WP8300 Wheel Balancer
up to 42 inches, wheel width of 1.5 to 20 inches and wheel diameter of 10 to 30 inches. It will hold tire/wheel assemblies that weigh up to 165 pounds and spin them in less than 5 seconds. Optional accessories include motorcycle adapters and a pin plate kit to provide additional versatility.
wheelproductsbymccourt.com