TCX51C Tire Changer: Standard and advanced operations

Summary

In this video, Jim Hudson demonstrates the operation of the TCX51C tire changer, showcasing its versatility and efficiency across a range of tire and wheel types. From 20-inch truck tires to sprinter wheels, high-performance wide tires, and reverse mount assemblies, he highlights key features like the PowerOut side shovel, optional wheel lift, large bore clamping kit, bead press, and FastBlast™ inflation system. Jim provides practical tips for handling heavy or wide tires, adjusting height and clamping, and ensuring TPMS safety. The tutorial emphasizes ease of use, precision, and adaptability, making the TCX51C a capable solution for diverse tire-changing needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The TCX51C tire changer is a versatile and durable machine, equipped with a three-way adjustable PowerOut side shovel and an optional wheel lift for heavy tire and wheel assemblies.
• 😀 The machine uses various clamping cones to fit different wheel sizes and center bores, allowing for a more secure and efficient mounting process.
• 😀 The TCX51C features a locking demount disc that helps push off the bottom bead of large truck tires, which is more efficient than manually using a bar for larger and heavier tires.
• 😀 The FastBlast™ feature makes it easier to inflate large tires, allowing hands-free inflation to quickly seat the bead, even with difficult-to-inflate tires.
• 😀 The TCX51C offers adjustable height with a riser plate and platen extender to accommodate large bore wheels or wide tires, ensuring a comfortable working height.
• 😀 The machine supports reverse mount assemblies by using a flange plate and shorter pins to lower the stack height, making it possible to change tires on reverse wheels without damaging them.
• 😀 When dealing with wide tires, the side shovel can be adjusted to provide a better angle of attack for mounting and demounting, offering greater control for handling high-performance tires.
• 😀 The machine has a built-in bead press arm and TPMS protection to prevent damage while ensuring the tire tracks properly in the drop center during installation.
• 😀 For tires with particularly wide dimensions, a combination of a locking demount disc and bead lube helps simplify the demounting and mounting process.
• 😀 Despite the variety of tire sizes and wheel types (truck tires, sprinter tires, reverse mount assemblies), the TCX51C adapts to all of them using specific accessories and adjustment features, making it highly versatile.

Q & A

What type of tire changer is being demonstrated in the video?

The video demonstrates the TCX51C tire changer, which is a center clamp type with additional three-way adjustable PowerOut side shovel and optional wheel lift.

What is the purpose of the optional wheel lift on the TCX51C?

The optional wheel lift makes handling heavy tire and wheel assemblies easier, reducing physical strain and improving efficiency during tire changes.

How does the presenter adjust the clamping cone for different wheel center bores?

The presenter removes the larger clamping cone and installs a smaller cone that fits the wheel's center bore, then locks it in place and snugly tightens the handles.

What technique does the presenter recommend for demounting the bottom bead on large truck tires?

For large truck tires, it is easier to push off the bottom bead using the locking demount disc instead of manually levering it with a bar.

How does the FastBlast™ feature assist with tire inflation?

FastBlast™ allows hands-free inflation by positioning the nozzle close to the wheel and pressing the second stage of the pedal, quickly seating the bead even on difficult tires.

What accessories are used when handling wheels with large center bores?

For large center bores, the presenter uses a riser plate, platen extender, and a large diameter clamping cone to ensure proper stack height and clamping.

How does the TCX51C handle high-performance wide tires?

For wide tires, the side shovel is moved to the wide wheel setting, riser plates and platen extenders are used for comfortable height, and the bead press or locking demount disc is used to manipulate the beads safely.

What precautions are taken when mounting tires with TPMS sensors?

The presenter ensures the TPMS sensor is positioned properly to avoid damage and monitors its location throughout the demounting and mounting process.

How does the machine accommodate reverse mount wheels?

Reverse mount wheels are mounted upside down on the platen using a flange plate and traction dowels. Shorter pins may be used to adjust stack height, allowing proper clearance and safe clamping.

What adjustments can be made to the demount disc for high stack height situations?

The demount disc has an adjustable pin that allows it to be raised or lowered, providing the necessary clearance to demount the bottom bead even at the extreme top or bottom range of the machine's travel.

Does the tire changing process vary significantly for different tire types on the TCX51C?

No, while the accessories and setup may vary, the basic tire changing process—clamping, breaking the bead, lubing, and mounting—remains consistent for truck tires, sprinter tires, high-performance wide tires, and reverse mount wheels.

What is the purpose of the riser plate in the large bore clamping kit?

The riser plate increases the stack height, bringing deep-offset or wide wheels to a comfortable working height and providing clearance for the lower bead during tire changing.