A tyre changer machine is the first machine most tyre shops buy and the one that works hardest. The wrong one shows up quickly: scratched rim lips, torn beads on low-profile tyres, and a fitter fighting a run-flat for twenty minutes. The right choice depends on the wheels coming through your door, from 13 inch steel rims on taxis to 22 inch mags on premium SUVs. Send one request and we pass it to independent equipment suppliers, who quote you directly.
Swing arm, tilt-back or leverless
A swing arm changer is the classic, compact design: the mounting head swings aside for loading. It is affordable and fine for everyday car and bakkie tyres. On a tilt-back changer the column tilts back, so the head returns to the same setting for the next wheel of the set, which saves time. A leverless changer uses a hook or roller instead of a tyre bar, so nothing levers against the rim. It costs more, but it is kinder to painted and diamond cut faces and to TPMS valves, and it suits shops that fit big, expensive wheels.
Assist arms for low-profile and run-flat tyres
A helper or assist arm holds the bead down in the drop centre and presses on the sidewall while the head works, which low-profile and run-flat tyres need. Some arms bolt on later; others are built in. Check the clamping range (the smallest and largest rim the turntable holds, inside and outside clamping), the largest wheel diameter and width, and whether the bead breaker reaches wide 4x4 tyres. Rim protectors on the jaws and plastic head inserts help prevent marks.
Air, power and truck tyre changers
Most car changers need compressed air at a steady pressure and a single phase motor, though some run on three phase. Ask the supplier what compressor size they recommend, and whether a bead seater or inflation cage comes with it. A truck tyre changer is a different machine: it holds 22.5 inch and larger wheels horizontally or vertically, often with a hydraulic arm, and needs its own floor space. Shops doing truck tyre repair often buy one separately.
- Rim range and maximum wheel width
- Motor speed: one or two speeds
- Inflation gauge and bead blaster
Buying second hand
Used changers are common and simple to check. Look for wear on the turntable jaws and mounting head, play in the column, air leaks, a worn bead breaker pad and a motor that turns both ways cleanly. Ask whether spares are still available locally, especially mounting heads, jaws and the pedal valves, which wear first. A changer that has been bolted down and cared for is a better bet than one dragged around a yard. Pair it with tyre repair supplies such as bead lube and valves on the same order.
What to put in your request
- Swing arm, tilt-back or leverless
- Largest rim diameter and width you fit
- Assist arm for low-profile and run-flat tyres
- Compressed air and power supply in the bay
- Car changer, truck changer or both
Tyre Changer Machines for drivers, fleets and workshops
- Private car owners: the machine that decides whether a mag comes back from a tyre shop unmarked
- Enthusiasts, 4x4 and performance drivers: a club garage fitting track tyres to lightweight wheels without levering the lips
- Company and rental fleets: a fleet workshop swapping van and bakkie tyres in house between services
- Dealers, panel shops and insurers: a dealer prep bay fitting new tyres to used cars before sale
- Tyre shops and wheel workshops: a fitment centre or tyre shop mounting tyres all day on mixed wheel sizes
- Truck, bus and taxi operators: a truck depot changing 22.5 inch tyres on a dedicated truck changer
- Farms: a farm workshop changing bakkie and trailer tyres without a trip to town
- Mines and construction sites: a mine workshop keeping LDV tyres turning over quickly on site
Frequently asked questions
Are you the supplier of these tyre changers?
Is a leverless tyre changer worth it?
What compressor do I need for a tyre changer?
Does the supplier install and train?
Tyre Changer Machines by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg