Automaster knows wheel tech

KNOWING WHAT THE MARKET WANTS, AUTOMASTER HAS DEVELOPED ITS OWN BRAND RANGE OF TYRE MACHINES AND WHEEL BALANCERS THAT COVERS THE NEW ZEALAND WORKSHOP SWEET SPOT

Automaster’s experience in serving New Zealand workshops for more than 15 years has given the Kiwi family-owned business the knowledge to specify and build its own ranges of tyre changers and wheel balancers.

“We have many years of experience seeing how both high and low-end machines from suppliers around the world perform over time,” says Automaster’s managing director Gary Cotterell. “We know how robust a machine needs to be to keep performing in New Zealand workshops and under different maintenance regimes. And we know the weak points, where you need higherquality components.”

The company also has feedback on the technologies that Kiwi mechanics find easiest to live with, and where automation pays off.

Gary says modern high-end machines can take all the manual effort out of wheel handling but that complexity has trade-offs in cost and sometimes in set-up time and operator training. “Some technicians simply prefer to be more actively involved in some tasks.”

Automaster’s range of six tyre changers starts at the single-phase AM-106B ($2395 plus GST) which has 2500kg of bead-breaking force which can clamp 10” to 22” wheels with plastic protectors for alloy rims. Other variants offer tilt posts with one or two optional helper arms, three-phase power, and heavy-duty machines for larger rims. All come complete with tyre lube and brushes, water traps, and oilers. The range also includes truck and tractor tyre changers for rims up to 56” diameter.

“Automaster tyre machines offer years of dependability because they are built using only the highest-quality components,” says Gary.

When it comes to robust complicity you can’t beat the AM-451 hand spin wheel balancer. It doesn’t have a motor — simply crank the wheel up to the required speed using a hand crank, and once the machine has got a reading, hit the footbrake to stop it. The $1695 machine uses 230v AC power or a battery for the measurement controller and it is ideal for a mobile or field service, or small workshops.

At the other end of the range of four Automaster balancers, at $4725 plus GST, is the AM 462 car and truck wheel balancer. It can handle wheels up to 32” diameter and 20” wide and it is especially well suited to large 4x4 wheels. It has five balancing modes and automatic braking and self-diagnosis. “Ease of use and ease of repair make this balancer the perfect choice,” says Gary. All Automaster products are supported with a full range of low-cost parts kept in stock at its Auckland warehouse.

For more information on Automaster’s tyre machines and wheel balancers, see automaster.co.nz, or call 0800 214 604.

*Delivery, installation and GST not included

AM-203IT Pro Series Automaster Tyre machines deliver years of dependability because they are built using only the highest quality components 3 8

Adjustable bead breaker pad Air spring for auto vertical shaft movement HD850A Truck & Bus Tyre Changer

New structure has been designed to guarantee resistance, robustness & greater bead breaking strength 14”÷26”

GUARANTEE NO DEPOSIT LEASE-TO-OWN TERMS 12-60 MONTH OPTIONS AVAILABLE