11 replies to this topic

[4tom]

http://www.wikco.biz/stc100.103.htm

I just bought a used one, and get no response by phone or email from the web site. Hoping I didn't screw up. It does appear to be a solid unit. They claim on the web page it can handle 4 to 19 inch rims.

Thanks

Tom

Edited by 4tom, August 11, 2017 - 11:48 AM.

[MiCarl]

It appears to be pretty much the same thing Harbor Freight sells, and I have one.  What do you need to know?

[KennyP]

I have the HF version also!

[4tom]

Just curious that they don't reply so far. I was looking for instructions, and thinking about the advertised 2" receiver hitch attachment instead of anchoring it to the garage floor. I haven't seen the hf version, but this one appears very solid.

[boyscout862]

Its a normal looking manual tire changer. Download a manual, read it, and be very carefull. Little slips on these type of machines can be very painfull because of the force that you need to use. The most important first step is to secure it down. Its best anchored into a concrete slab. Always watch your balance so that you don't fall when something gives way.

I bought my tire changer over thirty years ago. It came bolted down to a 4' x 4' x 6" slab of concrete. It stays outside with a bucket over it. That slab has pervented me from being hurt several times while changing very tough tires. I have fallen but not in years. Be carefull. Good Luck, Rick

[WrenchinOnIt]

http://www.wikco.biz/stc100.103.htm
I just bought a used one, and get no response by phone or email from the web site. Hoping I didn't screw up. It does appear to be a solid unit. They claim on the web page it can handle 4 to 19 inch rims.
Thanks
Tom

Well first and foremost it's USA made, I own one now going on several years have changed a lot of GT tires and that's what's bought it for, largest I 've had on it was 12" it won't do an 8 ply 8" tire thou, tear the bead because it doesn't depress and roll like the big pneumatic ones, will do 12" 8 plys. WIKCO sold out, they were struggling against the foreign market, New guy may of folded as well 800 number goes unanswered , 402 one gets you their fax even thou not listed as fax.

Edited by WrenchinOnIt, August 11, 2017 - 01:15 PM.

[Bill 76]

There are hitch mounts on ebay for wikco tire changers but the price is $80 some dollars plus 20 shipping ,Ouch--think I would fab one for  a lot less .

[MiCarl]

I put a piece of 3/4 plywood on a pallet and bolted it to that.  I stand on the pallet when using it, but can still move it if need be.

 

I've never had much luck with it, most motorcycles are aluminum and that bar with the head on it will chew them up.  Small tires the bar takes so much room the tire is too tight to go over the rim.

 

It does work ok as a bead breaker once you understand that you're meant to set your wheel on the bottom and push down.  Clamping the wheel on top and pushing up doesn't work so well and I did eventually break it.  As I recall the HF instructions were less than useless.

 

The only reason I keep it (I have a pneumatic machine now) is for golf cart tires and similar.  It anchors the wheel nicely while I put the tire on/off with irons.

Edited by MiCarl, August 11, 2017 - 03:43 PM.

[chieffan]

I picked up a Cotes #10 several years ago.  Has saved me a bunch of $$$ over the years.  Changed everything fro 10" on up to 16" tires.  The small ones I put a 3.4' or 1" bolt in a big vise and use the small tire irons.

[4tom]

There are hitch mounts on ebay for wikco tire changers but the price is $80 some dollars plus 20 shipping ,Ouch--think I would fab one for a lot less .

[4tom]

That's what I'm thinking
Not much more than a length of 2" square and some clamps.

[poncho62]

I picked up an old manual Coates about 30 years ago....High school was tossing it. Its hard work, but has saved me lots of money over the years.