Anybody tried a Harbor Freight tire changer?

[thenrie]

I'm considering buying a manual tire changer from Harbor Freight. Wondering if anyone has any experience with one. They have two sizes, one for rims up to 17" and one for rims up to 12". The larger one says it will do small rims as well, but I'm thinking my Cub's front rims won't fit the center post, even without the bearings installed in the rims. Anyway, I was thinking that if this thing works on the Cub rear rims, and would also work for my pickup and car, it would be well worth the $49 they have it advertised for. My concern is whether it really works, or just beats up the rims and makes for a frustrated mechanic.

[ol'George]

It was discussed here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/b...nger-mods.html
I hope it helps you

[thenrie]

That helped a lot. Thanks.

[thenrie]

Update. I bought the tire changer. Bolted it to the concrete floor in front of my workshop. Bent the tire tool on the first tire, which was a 31X10.50-15. The instructions say it is good up to 17", but I can assure you it isn't adequate for even 15" rims. It would work well for garden tractor size rims and small car rims, though. I took it back to Harbor Freight and they gave my money back with no questions once I told them it broke on the first tire.

[green 4 acres]

I have one I bought for $ 50 I love it. it has saved me time and money last time I looked it was $99 . think we are talking about the same one It says it is portable but it must be bolted to the concrete have done 30 -40 tires on it the trick is to buy great tire lube (esp with old tires) mine is almost like grease from Wards I have even done 55 series tires and the warmer the tire the easier it goes --- Don