Between ATV's and mowers, I foresee the need to change out 10 tires in the near future and 14 tires in the next 3 to 5 years. I thought perhaps I would invest in some tools as the local dealers want $26/change out. I have changed 4 ATV tires in the past using just tire irons and internet recommendations on breaking the bead. That was miserable! I need better tools or better techniques, or I'm paying $26/tire to get someone else to do it!
Some questions:
1) Many people recommend the harbor freight or Princess Auto tire changer. However, I also see many recommendations for Beadbusters. Are both needed?
2) Can the Harbor freight/Princess Auto tool remove/install tires without damaging the rims? I saw some folks doing a "duck bill conversion" for these machines. I'm guessing that is why?
3) One of my arctic cat ATV's doesn't have a center hole in the rim. Does that limit me to tire irons? Is there a better budget tire change device that can accommodate these AC rims?
3) Let's assume I can break the beads using either a beadbuster or HF/PA tire changer. The last time I changed tires, I found the tire irons to be the hardest part. Yes, I'm aware of the drop center. I have Fasmov tire irons like this. Are tire spoons like this preferable for ATV tires? In short, am I using the right tool?
4) Has anyone use drop center tools while changing ATV tires? It feels to me like these could be very useful as I definitely need the third hand when changing tires with irons. My concern is how well do they work on ATV rims?
5) Most people use soapy water. However, there are purpose built commercial products you can buy. Are these much better than soapy water?
6) I've wondered about tarping in tires and using a space heater to get them good and toasty prior to working with them. How much difference does that make?
Thank you
Some questions:
1) Many people recommend the harbor freight or Princess Auto tire changer. However, I also see many recommendations for Beadbusters. Are both needed?
2) Can the Harbor freight/Princess Auto tool remove/install tires without damaging the rims? I saw some folks doing a "duck bill conversion" for these machines. I'm guessing that is why?
3) One of my arctic cat ATV's doesn't have a center hole in the rim. Does that limit me to tire irons? Is there a better budget tire change device that can accommodate these AC rims?
3) Let's assume I can break the beads using either a beadbuster or HF/PA tire changer. The last time I changed tires, I found the tire irons to be the hardest part. Yes, I'm aware of the drop center. I have Fasmov tire irons like this. Are tire spoons like this preferable for ATV tires? In short, am I using the right tool?
4) Has anyone use drop center tools while changing ATV tires? It feels to me like these could be very useful as I definitely need the third hand when changing tires with irons. My concern is how well do they work on ATV rims?
5) Most people use soapy water. However, there are purpose built commercial products you can buy. Are these much better than soapy water?
6) I've wondered about tarping in tires and using a space heater to get them good and toasty prior to working with them. How much difference does that make?
Thank you
