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2015 SEMA Show

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OTR outlook

2015 SEMA Show: tires, tools and technology

By the MTD staf

With upwards of 2,300 exhibit booths showcasing thousands of products, the annual four-day Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is an extravaganza of choice for atendees involved in the automotive industry. Yet some trends that speak to the over-arching preoccupations of tire dealers emerged from the abundance of products on display at this year’s edition, which ran Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas.

Inside some of the busiest booths were products refecting the larger business concerns of independent dealers, from tires that complement their product screens to equipment that boosts workplace efciency to technology that automates the tire registration process. Inside conference rooms were industry experts speaking on topics aimed at improving the listener’s skill or business, from tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to employee training to consumer online tire buying habits and more.

Here are some of the products, services and education sessions that caught the atention of tire dealers as well as Modern Tire Dealer’s editors.

Hankook will expand Laufenn line

Hankook Tire America Corp. will add sizes to its Laufenn brand for passenger car and light truck tire lines in the U.S. market in 2016. Hankook launched the entry-level brand in November 2014.

“The Laufenn brand combines value with solid fundamentals, outstanding performance and style, and delivered solid growth in its frst year in a highly competitive tire market that was consistent with our expectations,” says Hee Se Ahn, president of Hankook Tire America Corp.

Te company says the Laufenn brand ofers consumers seeking value, quality and style a wide range of quality products to meet a variety of driving conditions. Te fve Laufenn tire lines are: S Fit AS, an ultra-high performance all-season tire; G Fit AS, an all-season touring tire; X Fit HT, a SUV/light truck highway tire; X Fit AT, a SUV/light truck all-terrain tire; and I Fit Ice, a studdable winter passenger tire.

Expect two new tires from Kenda

Kenda USA will release tires for two market segments in 2016. Te Kenda Klever ST will be available to dealers in the spring of 2016. Te tire will be available in 30 sizes for 17-inch to 22-inch wheel diameters for the CUV/SUV segment. It will have a 60,000-mile tread wear warranty and be T-, H- and V-rated.

Te Kenda Klever H/T2 will be available to dealers in the summer of 2016. Te light truck and SUV tire will initially be ofered in 14 light truck and P-metric sizes with more sizes to be added later.

Te Kenda Klever H/T2 will have a 50,000-mile tread wear warranty for light truck sizes and a 60,000-mile tread wear warranty for P-metric sizes.

Greenball has a new heavy-duty trailer tire

Greenball Corp. introduced a heavy-duty specialty trailer tire, the 12-ply rated Tow-Master ASC (all-steel construction) tire. “As pickup truck towing capabilities continue to improve, we felt there was a need for a specialty trailer tire that could accommodate heavier loads and higher speeds,” says Randy Tsai, senior vice president.

Along with the Tow-Master ASC, Greenball displayed new OTR/agricultural tires, expanded Dirt Commander and Mongrel lines under the GBC Motorsports brand, new Centennial Terra Master commercial truck tires, and some new golf tires.

Te new products include new designs and expanded size oferings. Te company covers nearly every segment of the tire market with its family of brands.

Look for Duraturn passenger tires in the U.S.

Ken Coltrane, executive vice president of YC Rubber Co. (North America) LLC, is on a mission to spread the word about the Duraturn brand, and convince tire dealers they are a quality product for budget-conscious consumers. Coltrane hopes to build on the success of the Duraturn truck-busradial (TBR) products, which have been available in the U.S. for the past three years.

“I’ve had dealers tell me they like selling Duraturn. It’s easy to sell,” Coltrane says. “Our goal is to have a complete tire line.”

In 2013 the company began construction of a passenger tire plant in Xian, China, and production of three passenger lines began in 2014. Shipments to the U.S. were halted while the Department of Commerce considered implementing tarifs on Chinese passenger tires, but shipping has

since resumed. And Duraturn is now ofering 11 product lines. Te passenger tires are part of the Mozzo family, while light truck tires are grouped as Travia products. Te entire Duraturn brand is frmly rooted in the lowest tire tier.

“Te tarifs are what they are,” Coltrane says. “We just have to do the best we can.” Manufacturers who used to supply tires in China are shifing production elsewhere, but Coltrane says there isn’t enough capacity to move everything. “Tere’s going to be demand for tires out of China.”

YC Rubber opened its branch ofce in Pasadena, Calif. in 2015 and has a sales staf of four. Coltrane says they are marketing themselves as an American company with quality marketing materials to support dealers.

“Our frst challenge is to get into the market,” Coltrane says.

Coltrane says the company started with 50 SKUs, has 262 SKUs now, and “I could see us adding 100 SKUs in the next year” in passenger tires.

Aturo’s frst winter tire, and an addition to the Trail Blade line

Aturo Tire Corp. previewed its frst winter tire, the AW730 Ice, which will enter the North American and European markets for the 2016 winter season. Michael Mathis, co-owner and vice president of international marketing for Aturo, says the tire will be available in 15 sizes, spanning 16 to 22 inches, for sport utility and crossover utility vehicles.

The week in numbers

Just how many people were in Las Vegas during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week?

This year more than 159,000 — a record number — attended the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show and the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). Here’s the breakdown from SEMA Public Relations Director Della Domingo:

159,757: Total attendees at the SEMA Show and AAPEX 69,916: Buyers at both shows 64: SEMA Show seminars 2,350: SEMA Show exhibitors 3,505: Registered media 3,079: Products in the SEMA Show New Products Showcase 6,905: SEMA Show seminar attendees 1,181,400: Total net square feet of SEMA Show exhibit space

Te tire features a directional tread patern, heavy zigzag sipes, a sof compound and wide shoulder channels to remove water. Te tires will be manufactured in Taiwan.

Aturo also showed the fourth product in its Trail Blade series, the Trail Blade Boss. It’s created for XL dimensional sizes and the tread design is inspired by the Quartermaster QSA-1 Boss Hog knife. This is the third collaboration between Aturo and Quartermaster founder Jared West.

Te tire’s center tread incorporates the “kurki” style knife blade as the oversized tread lug. It extends from the shoulder across the center line. Te deep channel in the tread block serves to pull through deep slop and force debris from the center of the tread. Alternating shoulder blocks follow the outline of the knife handle. Te high void ratio of the tread provides optimum grip across varied terrain. Te relatively smaller center tread blocks are linked for stability from the high abrasion abuse of rocks.

Te sidewalls of the Boss feature the same blade and handle shapes as the tread. Along with the visual appearance, the large sidewall lugs provide traction in deep mud, grab loose rocks and protect the sidewall from protrusions on the trail. Beneath the tread lies a three-ply sidewall for load capacity and protection.

Te Boss will only be produced in large sizes to properly utilize the design features. Te initial sizes will be from 37-inch diameter up to 40 inches, with rim sizes of 17- to 24-inch.

Hee Se Ahn, president of Hankook Tire America Corp., says the new Laufenn brand surpassed expectations for growth in its frst year.

The Kenda Klever H/T2 has 2-ply sidewall construction.

Hercules Roadtour 855 SPE completes premium line

Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. previewed its Hercules Roadtour 855 SPE all-season touring tire, which will complete the company’s premium family of oferings when it is launched during the frst quarter of 2016. Greenball’s Terra Commander M/T,

The tire features full-depth siping for which has large shoulder and cenconsistent traction that extends through the life ter block tread for maximum traction, will be released in 2016. of the tire, and 3D siping to increase the amount of biting edges for improved grip on wet roads and in light snow. Dry traction is enhanced by the asymmetric tread patern’s larger blocks on the outside of the tire, while the smaller sections on the inside of the tire help in adverse conditions. Te Hercules Roadtour 855 SPE will come in 36 sizes for 15- to 18-inch wheels. Hercules also is adding an entry-level ofering, the Ironman GR906 all-season touring tire. Its tread elements minimize noise and increase stability, and high-density siping enhances wet and snow traction.

Hercules is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors Inc. Ken Coltrane envisions this interac

tive display one day becoming part of a Duraturn dealer’s showroom.

It’s never too early to prepare for next winter. Atturo will introduce its frst winter tire, the AW730 Ice, for the 2016 season.

The Hercules Roadtour 855 SPE features an 85,000-mile warranty for its T-rated sizes, and a 70,000-mile warranty for the H- and V-rated offerings.

The new BKT Bogmax is suited for 4x4 vehicles.

LT and winter tires on the foor from Sentury Sentury Tire Americas showcased its Delinte Bandit series line of LT tires, as well as its frst studdable winter tire. Te DX-9 Bandit M/T tire features an of-road optimized tread. Te ratio of rubber and void on the tread cleans dirt from the tire, and varying shoulder block shapes ofer handling and control. Tree layers of polyester cord fabric and high-strength steel belts in the sidewall resist punctures, and an angled lateral and longitudinal groove structure promotes drainage. Te DX-9 is available in eight sizes ranging from 33x12.50R15 LT 108Q to 35x12.50R20 LT 121Q. Te DX-10 Bandit A/T tire features a fve-patern block design engineered to expel water and rocks and reduce noise, says the company. Te special “cuting corner” on all borders of the groove patern “makes it more dimensional, more stereoscopic and more efective at promoting driving stability and comfort,” according to Sentury. In addition, the bench-shaped shoulder design “provides excellent earth-grasping action for stable, high-speed turns under dry and wet road conditions.” Te DX-10 is not only available in 22 LT sizes, but also four metric sizes: 275/65R17 115V, 285/65R17 116H, 245/70R16 107H and 215/75R15 100T. Te DX-11 Bandit H/T tire’s continuous center rib is designed to maintain straight driving stability, while its slant groove on the rib “improves braking performance,” says the company. Te closed shoulder design is engineered to block noise from the middle of the tire. Te DX-11 is available in 14 10-ply LT sizes ranging from LT215/85R16 115/112S to LT285/60R20 125/122S. In preparation of winter, Sentury displayed its Delinte WD42 studdable winter tire and Landsail 4-Seasons all-weather tire.

Sentury’s frst studdable winter tire, the Delinte WD42, is designed for SUVs. It is available in eight metric and fve LT sizes. Te metric sizes range from 215/70R16 100T to 245/45R20 XL 103H, and the LT sizes range from LT225/75R16 to 245/65R16 LRC 115/113R. Te tire features rubber foam technology, which Sentury describes as “tiny bubbles in the rubber,” which decrease hardness in low temperatures. Te Landsail 4-Seasons, an all-weather tire, is available in 19 sizes ranging from 165/70R13 79T to 225/45R17 XL 94V. It features high-density stereoscopic sipes designed to “maintain block rigidity and enhance both control and performance,” says the company. “You get lots of biting edges to increase traction on wet, snowy or icy roads.”

Te tire’s inside multiple cross-patern design helps the tire “swallow” more snow “to enhance traction and grip on winter roads.” In addition, wide longitudinal drainage grooves channel road water out from under the tire for control in the rain and snow.

Sentury Tire Americas is a division of Qingdao Sentury Tire Co. Ltd.

BKT introduces ATV/UTV tire

BKT Tires Inc. introduced an all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicle tire.

The company says the new Bogmax is designed for mud racing. It features the following: a special tread compound engineered for cut and chip resistance; a strong casing that helps it resist bruises and punctures; “sidewall protectors” extended up to the bead; and self-cleaning capabilities.

It also has a deep tread depth “best suited for deep mud,” says Michael Aguon, associate vice president of OTR. It will even perform well in “waste deep water.”

Te Bogmax currently is available in one 6-ply size: AT32x10-14. Te rim diameter is 8 inches.

M/T and winter tires from Omni United

Omni United (S) Pte. Ltd. is expanding its Radar brand of tires with the Radar Renegade R7 M/T and three winter tire oferings, the Radar RW-5, RW-5+ and RW-5S.

Te Radar Renegade R7 M/T is the culmination of several years of research and development preparing for, and competing in, the of-road motorsports arena. It’s the brand’s answer for the serious of-road enthusiast looking for a tire with enhanced durability for harsh gravel and rock and traction in deep mud, sand, and snow.

One of the race-inspired technologies is the stone ejector. Te Radar Renegade R7 M/T has a raised nub between the tread blocks that actively deforms when the tire is rotating, opening, closing and then releasing as the tire goes through the contact patch. Tis action helps to eject stones out of the tread patern.

Omni United engineers modeled the action of stone trapping and drilling, and analyzed the reaction of traditional stone ejectors. Tey learned that most of the current solutions appear to only add more gauge in the tread groove with no active stone ejection mechanism.

With the three body ply construction, the third layer helps to strengthen and stiffen the tire to reduce the risk of punctures in the

Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 23110

sidewall and tread areas. Upper shoulder side-biters have a functional purpose of delivering added traction in loose surface conditions, but also provide the rugged aesthetic truck owners crave.

Te Radar Renegade R7 M/T tire will have a total of 30 ROWL sizes introduced in two phases, and the frst 14 sizes are available now.

Te Radar winter tire lineup consists of three product lines with distinct size ranges. Te Radar RW-5, the RW-5+ and the RW-5S all have similar aspects, but the block placement, siping density and construction of the tires have been tuned for the unique characteristics of the principal ftments taking each size. Tis “customization” by vehicle type helps the tire work in conjunction with the particular suspension and handling characteristics to deliver improved handling, comfort and grip.

Te Radar RW-5 was designed primarily for compact to mid-size passenger vehicles. Te 16 sizes in this range are mostly H-rated, and target the most common winter tire sizes and vehicles in Europe, Scandinavia and Japan. Te range does include sizes for several of the top-selling compact cars in North America, as well as some coverage of popular small CUVs in this market. Te tread is directional, with a silica-based tread compound for more grip on wet roads.

Te Radar RW-5+ is designed for mid to large sports cars, luxury sedans and mid- and full-size crossover utility vehicles. Te tread design and tire construction take into account the increased weight, longer wheelbase and spirited driving capabilities of these types of vehicles vs. the Radar RW-5 target ftments. Te tread patern has a chevroned directional V-shape to provide increased levels of high-speed handling on dry roads. Like the RW 5, the tread compound has silica, an attribute often reserved for more expensive tires, the company says. Tis range is primarily V-rated XL sizes, and has several of the top-selling sizes for the most common luxury sedans and CUVs in North America from original equipment manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes.

Te Radar RW-5S rounds out the ofering. It targets full size SUVs, with two T-rated sizes and four H-rated sizes. Te tread patern is clearly a winter tire, but has more of a SUV/truck look thanks to the large tread blocks and wide open grooves. Tese features provide the grip you would expect from an all-wheel or four-wheel drive SUV in packed snow, slush or even muddy road surfaces common in the winter months in many northern states and parts of Canada.

“Receptivity to the three product lines in Europe and Asia has been excellent, and we are confdent we will get the same reception in North America,” says Scot Rhodes, vice president of sales for Omni United.

A frst for Horizon: private brand truck tires

Horizon Tire Inc. is marketing its frst private brand truck tire line. Te Supermax line features three premium radial medium truck tires that are SmartWay-certifed. Te Supermax HD1, HF1 and HT1 are produced in China. Tey are available in six SKUs: 11R22.5 LRG and H; 11R24.5 LRG and H; and two LRG low-profle sizes (295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5).

Triangle Tyre updates dealers on its plans for the U.S.

Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd. briefed dealers on its initiatives for the U.S. market during the SEMA Show. The company’s plans include building a global brand identity and establishing a joint venture company to distribute Triangle tires in the U.S.

Triangle Tire United States of America LLC opened on Nov. 2, 2015. It is located near Nashville, Tenn., and will provide sales, marketing and customer support services for developing Triangle’s distribution network.

Gustavo Lima is a partner in the joint venture company, which has a mission to “give a face to the Triangle product that has not existed before and to organize the market to give better service to the existing dealers and to increase the market share of the product in the United States.”

Lima, who is CEO of Miami-based Oriente Triangle Latin America Inc., which distributes Triangle tires in Latin America and the Caribbean, expects at least one logistics and inventory

April 8, 2017, is the 40th anniversary of Triangle Tyre, Chairman Ding Yuhua told dealers, making it an important milestone for globalizing the company’s tire brand.

warehouse will be announced in the second quarter of 2016.

The opening of the U.S. headquarters establishes the Triangle brand as a major player within the tire industry, according to Chairman Ding Yuhua. The offce is Triangle’s second U.S. facility. Triangle’s A3T LLC research and development center opened in Akron, Ohio, in 2011.

Despite trade challenges related to the U.S. government’s anti-dumping and countervailing duties, Triangle introduced the Sportex for the UHP segment and the Protract for the value segment in North America in 2015. “The consumer is always looking for better products to improve their lives and that’s Triangle’s mission, as well,” says Ding.

Many of Triangle’s products are not affected by duties. The company also manufactures light truck, OTR, medium truck and specialty trailer tires. Triangle is based in Weihai in China’s Shandong province.

TIA inducts fve new members into its Hall of Fame

Five leaders of the global tire industry were inducted into the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Hall of Fame during an awards night that kicks off the 2015 Global Tire Expo – Powered by TIA and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

The late Ross Fischer, along with Herman “Hy” Freeman, Paul Hyatt, Raghupati Singhania and Bucky Stein were recognized for their contributions to the tire industry.

Fischer, who died in 2013, was the owner of McCord Auto Supply in Watseka, Ill., but was best known for his role in developing a wheel application for Goodyear’s fotation tires, allowing them to be adapted for use in agriculture.

In accepting the award for her father, Anna Perrin described him as an “old farm boy” who graduated from the TIA honored the newest inductees to its Hall of Fame (from left): Raghupati eighth grade and “walked into those Singhania, Bucky Stein, Beverly Fischer, who accepted the award on behalf of her late husband Ross Fischer, Paul Hyatt and Bob Hendry, who stood in warehouses at Goodyear and saw the for honoree Hy Freeman, who was unable to attend the event. fotation tires and knew exactly what to do with them. With that idea he was able to create a decades behind Europe and the U.S. in bringing radial whole new market for the tire industry.” Perrin and her tire technology to the market, and Singhania led the way mother, Beverly Fischer, accepted the award. for its introduction in India. “The passenger tire industry

Freeman was a pioneer in the early stages of tire service in India is fully radialized and the commercial segment and repair and helped establish industry standards for is 35%, expected to move up to 65% shortly,” he said. permanent tire repair. Freeman is retired from his job as JK Tyre has a presence in 100 countries, operates nine technical services and training manager at Rema Tip Top plants and produces 20 million tires annually. Singhania North America Inc. Tony Maffa accepted the award on also established research and development centers, and Freeman’s behalf, saying, “Hy is doing well, however at 98 played a role in creating The Hari Shankar Singhania years of age Las Vegas was just a little too slow for him.” Elastomer and Tyre Research Institute (HASETRI). See The two men met in 1978 when Freeman taught Maffa more on page 34. how to section a tire. “He was like a surgeon. Each step Stein, the founder of Target Tire and creator of the Avawas done with precision.” lon brand of tires, said he started with nothing and “did

Hyatt’s tire career began when he was a teen, sweeping everything the hard way because I didn’t know how to foors and changing tires at Superior Tire & Auto in Toronto, work smart.” Over the years he dealt with used tires and Ontario. He eventually became the company’s owner and Army surplus, and learned how to vulcanize and groove president before selling the 16 locations to the business’ tires. He attended seminars and was told he needed a busioriginal franchisees. He’s a past president of TIA, the Tire ness plan. He didn’t have one, but long hours and physical Dealers Association of Canada and the Ontario Tire Dealers work didn’t phase him. He eventually found inspiration Association. “Some people say industry associations are in words from Thomas Edison, and to this day he carries becoming redundant or unnecessary, but I stand before the inventor’s advice with him in his wallet. When the ink you tonight as an example of what an association can wears out, he replaces it with a fresh copy. “I never allow do for you,” Hyatt said. “When I was starting out some myself to become discouraged under any circumstance. 60 years ago, I didn’t know much about business. But I The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile met mentors and I met advisors in every association I are hard work, stick-to-itiveness and common sense.” was involved with, and they were all open quite freely to Stein sold Target Tire in 2004, and most of the company’s my questions. They gave me their advice and they gave stores were sold to his employees. me their ideas and I had Business 101 from the business In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, TIA recognized associations I was involved with.” two Ed Wagner Leadership Award Winners: Tom Klinge,

Singhania is chairman and managing director of JK Tyre managing director and co-founder of the Klinge Group, and & Industries Ltd. in New Delhi, India. The country was Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training for TIA.

The new tread pattern on the Maxxis RAZR MT features deeply sculptured center locks to maximize mud traction while retaining noise performance.

Te Supermax HD1 is a premium closed-shoulder drive tire designed to provide “excellent traction and great wear,” according to the company. A premium regional and all-position steer tire, the Supermax HF1 features a five-rib design for even wear and durability. Size 255/70R22.5 LRH will be available in 2016.

The premium trailer tire’s tread on the Supermax HT1 is optimized for “superior stability, excellent lateral traction and resistance to irregular wear,” says Horizon. It features a shallow tread. All three tires are backed by two-retread casing warranties. Horizon said it also is working on a Supermax wide-base tire.

Kevin Jones, Bosch field sales technical trainer, demos the power assist wheel lift that will be available on the TCS 4275 tire changer in 2016.

Track and mud: new tires from Maxxis Maxxis International premiered two new oferings at its SEMA Show booth, the Victra VR-1 and the RZR MT. Te Victra VR-1 is designed for the motorsports enthusiast, and features a compound that warms to operating temperature quickly to provide sturdy dry traction. Te reinforced casing and sidewall design provide telepathic responses for what Maxxis calls “the ultimate driving experience.” Te tread patern maximizes dry performance while minimizing “white knuckle moments” in wet weather, the company says. Te RZR MT features both an all-new tread compound and tread design with minimal patern noise, while sidewall “armor blocks” and dual-cord construction promote ofroad experiences. The compound includes chemical fllers for improved tear and chip resistance and tread life.

Alan Greene, sales representative for Hennessy, demonstrates the leverless APS 1000 tire changer.

Bosch adds air motor to tire changer

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions has added an air motor to its TCE 4275 swing arm tire changer. A power assist lif will be available in the second quarter of 2016.

“Te tire changer can service passenger, run-fat and ultra-high performance tires.

With external wheel clamping, it can service up to 28-inch tires without the need for add-on adapters,” says Debo

Sadare, product manager. Te TCE 4275 runs on 110-volt power, providing the same features as competing machines requiring a 220-volt electrical supply. The tire changer, which was introduced at the 2014 SEMA show, is competitively priced, according to Sadare.

Te OCL8850 on-car brake lathe was among the many wheel service equipment products in the Bosch booth.

“If there’s any kind of run-out in the vehicle’s hub assembly, the driver is going to encounter pedal pulsation,” says Julie Jones, business development manager.

“Te on-car lathe addresses customer complaints about pedal pulsation. Our unit mounts to the caliper. It will travel in the same plane to automatically compensate for run-out in the hub assembly.”

Te lathe comes standard with adapters for 90% vehicle coverage, according to Jones.

Also on display was Bosch’s OTC brand 3838 wireless TPMS tool. It’s a standalone reset, relearn and reprogram device with an OBD-II dongle to plug into the vehicle, allowing technicians multiple ways to ensure TPMS sensors are correctly installed and programmed.

Te tool will also read OBD-II generic codes and test key fobs, according to the company.

Te OTC 3838 features an exclusive wireless OBD-II module for TPMS registration and includes three years of sofware updates.

Hennessy previews APS line

Hennessy Industries Inc. previewed a line of tire changers and wheel balancers designed for low profle, UHP and run-fat tires. Te APS line will launch in January 2016.

Te company says the APS 1000 tire changer and APS 1500 wheel balancer rely on advanced technology to aid and simplify even the most challenging tire service applications.

Hennessy also will convert its Baseline by Coats line to a stand-alone brand. Te rebranded Baseline 500 tire changer and Baseline 550 wheel balancer will debut in January 2016.

Baseline models are entry-level machines that will service the majority of OE ftments and are intended for low volume usage.

Hunter stages a Revolution update

Hunter Engineering Co. unveiled a smaller Revolution tire changer packed with new features.

Te footprint of the fully automatic tire changer is 25% smaller. Te updated console has been integrated into the unit for beter ergonomics and more adaptor storage. A fange plate is now standard to ease servicing of cladfaced and reverse-mount wheels.

Also standard is a camera kit to record every tire changing interaction and verify correct operation and training. “Te camera protects your investment in the tire changer and protects

Hunter’s Pete Liebetreu, senior product manager, demonstrates the new Revolution tire changer.

Gaither Tool says its no-strain wheel lift helps tire dealers make the switch from Mr. Tough to Mr. Smart.

The 12 LED bulbs on the Tech International tire spreader light stay cool and illuminate a tire without white-washing it.

you from fraudulent damage claims,” says Ron Hoctor, area sales manager. New 1.4 sofware features an advanced control function for more freedom when servicing extremely high-end assemblies and a new, adaptive beadbreaking system. “It’s a sofware-based tire changer, which allows you to upgrade your system as new features are released,” says Hoctor. Other new features include a thick bead kit accessory for servicing range H and higher tires as well as of-road tires.

Hunter also introduced the Auto34S, a spacesaving version of its Auto34 tire changer. Te wheel lif is integrated into the housing to shorten the Auto34S footprint by 10 inches. Te wheel lif also makes it easier to service large assemblies. Features include a memory buton that saves the tire diameter seting and returns the mount head to the same spot until reset, saving the operator efort and time when changing sets of matching tires. Hunter’s display included a heavyduty mobile on-site service truck for taking tire changing, balancing, alignment and other tire maintenance services directly to a feet’s shop. Hunter says the mobile on-site service truck allows a dealer to expand service capabilities, eliminate downtime between customers and take advantage of an untapped revenue stream. Demonstrations of Hunter’s Quick Tread drive-over tread depth unit included the new Click ID feature. A camera takes a picture of the license plate number, which is transmited to Carfax Inc. Within minutes, Carfax converts the license plate number to a vehicle identifcation number (VIN) at no charge to dealers and consumers. “Te VIN makes it a specifc vehicle inspection, rather than a general check. It also eliminates keyboard entry errors on vehicle selection,” says Tom Setle, director of training for Hunter.

Winntec takes pain out of lifing tires

Te Winntec HD-series Wheel Assist by Gaither Tool Co. Inc. helps technicians lif and position tire and wheel assemblies with the simple press of a foot pedal and ease of a single fnger.

Te Wheel Assist stands on its own. It requires no electrical power and it rolls easily from one wheel to the next, and one bay to the next. It uses gas springs to lif a tire from the foor. Once the

tire is on the equipment, the technician can easily spin the tire to match up the bolts for proper ftment.

Te Wheel Assist is ofered in two variations, but the only diference is its height. Te basic model positions the tire at slightly below eye level. Te taller option is lifed up by larger wheels on its base.

Richard Brahler II, president of Gaither Tool, says the tool not only makes wheel and tire assembly easier, but safer as well. And it eliminates the macho efect of a technician who wants to do the job manually, but might struggle handling the tire.

Brahler calls it the diference of being “Mr. Tough or Mr. Smart.” Te result, he says, is quicker tire changes, plus less risk of damaging wheels or ceramic brake systems.

Tech International tire spreader light

When it’s time to inspect a tire and prepare it for a repair Tech International’s tire spreader light is a bright tool to inspect every crevice of the tire.

Te light features 12 bright white LEDs on a fexible 24-inch shaf that’s easy to maneuver. Te slim profle allows for an unobstructed view, and the six-foot cord connects at the botom of the shaf, keeping it out of the technician’s way. It comes with a universal mounting plate and is powered by a 110 volt AC adaptor.

Size maters for Chicago Pneumatic tools

Lightweight and compact are the latest keywords for Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co.’s impact wrenches. Te tool maker says there’s a growing trend for lighter and smaller tools with beter handling and maneuverability, and the latest buterfy impact wrench, stubby impact wrench, composite angle impact wrench and straight impact wrench are all designed with those features in mind.

Brandon Oelofse, marketing manager for Chicago Pneumatic, says the CP7711/21 buterfy ultra-compact wrench, in 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch sizes, weighs 1.16 pounds and is 5.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

It delivers 80-f.-lbs. of torque in reverse. Te wrench is 15% smaller than its predecessor, meaning technicians “can get in tighter spaces,” Oelofse says.

And the same “size maters” updates were made to a pair of impact wrenches that will be available in early 2016: the CP7732C stubby impact wrench, and the CP7727/37 composite angle impact wrench.

Te CP7763D/73D for heavy vehicle service applications features a new D-handle design that allows the technician several options and

beter stability while holding the tool. It comes in both a 3/4-inch and 1-inch version, and 6-inch anvil extensions are available, making it especially helpful in tire changing operations. Tis is the company’s frst straight heavy-duty impact wrench available in the 3/4-inch size.

GearWrench enters power tools arena

Apex Tool Group LLC is branching out with its GearWrench brand into the world of power tools. Te brand is adding a line of air impact wrenches to its oferings. Te six-tool lineup is comprised of the 80 series and 81 series, and both ofer impact wrenches in 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch sizes. Te 80 series comes with a one-year warranty and ofers three forward speeds and one reverse speed. Te 81 series ofers four speed options and is covered by a two-year warranty, says Bill Bliss, marketing communications manager for Apex Tool Group.

In addition to the new tools, the GearWrench brand booth also featured expanded size oferings of impact socket sets, impact extension sets, and its electronic torque wrenches.

Tire Intelligence expands price tracking

Tire Intelligence LLC announced it has expanded its price tracking service beyond the Americas to Europe, Asia, the Mideast and Australia.

Te Charlote, N.C.-based company ofers retail pricing services for manufacturers, distributors and dealers as well as digital content for use in selling tools.

Te retail pricing service gives information about competitors’ pricing to dealers to provide guidance for pricing their own tires, according to Don Palmer, business development director.

“With retail pricing information, dealers can be competitive while maximizing their profts,” he says.

Dealers can use the digital content from Tire Intelligence for marketing their business through all types of platforms.

“We take all our own digital photos of tires. All the images have the same aspect ratio and same look to provide consistency across all applications,” says Palmer.

“Digital selling tools for product comparison enable tire dealers to efectively sell to their customers using a huge library of tire photos, tire specifcations, 3-D views and interactive presentations. And it doesn’t take up foor space,” says Palmer.

Bartec shows how to adjust pressure

Bartec USA LLC’s Michael Rose explained how to adjust the TPMS low pressure trigger point using the company’s latest TPMS diagnostic tool, the Tech400Pro, to SEMA Show atendees.

“If you change the infation pressure, it is recommended that you change the vehicle confguration for monitoring the pressure as well,” says Rose, who led “Te Importance of Placard and TPMS” education session.

Te TechPro 400 tool gives technicians the ability to change the placard value to refect the new infation pressure according to industry best practice and generally accepted service guidelines.

Te capability to reprogram the recommended infation pressure means the proper TPMS low pressure warning is maintained when tire technicians are plus sizing and up-fting wheel and tire packages.

Rose, who is a product manager for Bartec, says three key features of the Tech400Pro are not available in other TPMS tools. Tey are placard pressure adjustment, wireless updating, and passive systems diagnostics.

Bartec also ofered an educational session called “TPMS Triage, How to Know What’s Wrong With a TPMS.”

As GearWrench enters the world of power tools, Bill Bliss says the toolmaker is offering a 60-day free trial period.

Clint Bollinger (left) is director of marketing and Don Palmer is business development director for Tire Intelligence.

New products from Cemb USA

Cemb USA/BL-Systems Inc. had eight new products on the show foor: six balancers, one tire changer and one 3-D alignment system. Franky Maineti, product engineer manager, ofered a close look at the ER72 digital wheel balancer, which includes the company’s patented 3-D width sonar for reading distance, diameter and width of the tire.

He says the ER72 provides a lot of room to work inside the rim, which is Bartec’s Michael Rose, product manager, discusses the features of helpful for puting stick-on weights inside the TechPro400 diagnostic tool in the rim. the class “The Importance of Plac

In addition, the ER72 “is the only one that ard and TPMS.” gives the opportunity to correct the static imbalance using the laser spoter system.”

Te SM951 HPA tire changer is a tilt-back tire changer featuring two assist arms on both sides for servicing run-fat and low profle tires. It can service wheels from 10 inches to 26 inches outside clamping and up to 28 inches inside clamping.

Main features include a fully adjustable bead breaker and an adjustable stroke limiter to prevent the shovel from going too deep into the tire rim, according to Maineti. ■ Cemb USA’s new SM951 HPA

tilt-back tire changer includes a fully adjustable bead breaker and adjustable stroke limiter.

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