Category: Wheel Balancers

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Product Focus: Atlas WB12

Product Focus: Atlas WB12 Wheel Balancer

In the garage equipment industry, the Atlas brand has quite the reputation. Originating from across the pond, this esteemed American brand has been trusted by garages for decades now – and its products are finally available to purchase here in the UK through Tyre Bay Direct.

 

Tweaked and reengineered to suit the requirements of European workshops, the Atlas products we sell have proven immensely popular – and the WB12 wheel balancer is a perfect example of what makes this brand so great.

 

Why buy a WB12?

Coming in at a little more than a Redback machine (but considerably less than a Hofmann Megaplan model), the Atlas WB12 really does offer the best of both worlds. Proven durability and cutting edge engineering. All of the features you need and none that you don’t. A surprisingly affordable entry point. This machine has an awful lot going for it.

 

As a manual data input balancer, the WB12 isn’t the most technologically advanced machine out there. But if you don’t use your wheel balancer all day long, that won’t matter. And on the flipside, this machine’s relative simplicity makes it easy to use and even more dependable. It’s a win-win.

 

Remember how we said the WB12 had all of the features you need and none that you don’t? Although it goes without sensors to automatically detect the size and offset of the wheel, it has built-in motors for a swift, efficient balancing process. Simply input the parameters of the wheel, lower the hood and off you go – the machine will handle the rest. Cycle times of just seven seconds allow you to complete the wheel balancing process quicker than ever before.

 

An intuitive wheel hold pedal and internal LED light allow you to apply wheel weights accurately every time, too. And, impressively, the WB12 can accommodate rims of up to 32” in diameter!

 

When it comes to value for money, we think you’d really struggle to match the WB12. Explore its standout features and order yours online today.

 

Explore the full range of wheel balancers

Looking for something a little different? We have a wide range of different wheel balancers to choose from, including models from top brands like Atlas Platinum and Hofmann Megaplan. Whether you’re in the market for a bargain manual balancer or a high-tech automatic one, we’ve got something for you. Explore the full range of wheel balancers online today.

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Buying Guide: Semi-Automatic Wheel Balancers

Buying Guide: Semi-Automatic Wheel Balancers

Whether you’re thinking of buying your first ever wheel balancer or are planning to upgrade from an old manual input model, a semi-automatic wheel balancer makes an awful lot of sense. This category is the most popular across the industry, offering an excellent blend of efficiency, ease of use and affordability.

 

We have a number of different semi automatic machines in stock here at Tyre Bay Direct. So, to help you decide which one’s right for you, we’ve put together a handy guide to the ins and outs of these popular models.

 

What is a semi-automatic wheel balancer?

As you might have guessed (the clue’s in the name!), manual wheel balancers are exactly that: you’ll have to input the parameters of the wheel you’re balancing manually. That means measuring the diameter, width and offset yourself, wasting precious time.

 

Semi-automatic wheel balancers remove a large part of this process. Using built-in sensors, they work out the rim’s diameter and offset automatically, saving you the time of checking or measuring it. Rim width still has to be measured manually, but the time saving is still significant.

 

Who is a semi-automatic balancer suitable for?

Semi-automatic models are ideal for garages that expect to do a lot of wheel balancing, purely because of the time savings they can deliver.

 

Over the course of a busy day, the time saved per job adds up – and when you multiply these time savings over a full month or year, it’s clear that the extra cost of a semi-automatic machine is well worth it. Time savings mean more work can be completed in less time – so it’s easy to see why so many garages invest in a semi-automatic balancer.

 

Fully automatic machines are available, but they come at a premium; semi-automatic versions offer a great blend between both extremes, which is why they’re so popular.

 

Features to look out for

When buying a balancer, there are a few key features and technical specifications to be aware of:

 

  • Rim diameter – different machines have different maximum rim sizes (and total wheel sizes with the tyre included)
  • Cycle time – the lower it is, the faster the balancing process
  • Maximum wheel weight
  • Warranty – this varies from brand to brand

 

Comparing brands

A variety of different brands produce semi-automatic balancers, ranging from budget options like Redback to high-end, high-tech alternatives like Atlas Platinum and Hofmann Megaplan.

 

Which you choose depends entirely on your own requirements. If you’re on a budget and don’t anticipate wheel balancing being one of your bread-and-butter services, a Redback machine would fit the bill perfectly. If, on the other hand, you expect to get a lot of use out of your machine, it may be wise to invest in a more advanced and durable machine from a higher-end brand.

 

Explore our range of semi-automatic wheel balancers

Now you know a little bit about semi-automatic machines and what to look out for, why not explore our complete range? We have a wide variety of wheel balancers in stock for you to choose from, and if you have further questions, you can always get in touch – we’re here to help.

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What Are the Different Types of Wheel Balancers?

What Are the Different Types of Wheel Balancers?

New to the world of wheel balancers? On your travels, there are three main types of machine you’re likely to have encountered: manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic. The question is: what do all of these terms mean, and what makes each one different?

We’ll take a look at each of these types of machine in the guide, before summarising at the end to help you decide which one is right for you.

 

Manual

The entry-level category of wheel balancers. Manual machines are the simplest option out there, and the most affordable, but they’re no less accurate or capable than semi or fully-automatic alternatives.

The only real downside to manual wheel balancers is that they’re less user-friendly and less efficient. That’s because, with these machines, the user has to input the wheel rim data manually – meaning rim width, rim diameter and offset. On some wheels, measuring or determining some of these parameters can be a little time-consuming, which is a no-no in a busy garage that balances tons of wheels on a daily basis.

Two subcategories of manual wheel balancers are available: hand spin and motorised. Hand spin models require the user to manually spin the wheel to initiate the balancing process, at which point an electric motor will kick in to do the rest of the work. Motorised models remove that burden, handling the balancing process once the hood is lowered.

Although hand spin models are a little more labour-intensive, they do have one distinct advantage: size. Without a hood, they’re the most compact option around – ideal for small workshops and mobile tyre fitting services.

 

Semi and fully-automatic

Semi and fully-automatic balancers seek to speed up the balancing process, saving the operator valuable time. Although they’re no more accurate, they do eliminate the risk of human error to a large extent, guaranteeing correct results every time provided they’re in good working order.

  • Semi-automatic machines measure offset and rim diameter automatically, but still require the operator to measure the rim width
  • Fully automatic models sense all three parameters, saving yet more precious time

 

Which is right for you?

Ultimately, this decision comes down to how you plan to use your wheel balancer. To make your choice a little easier, we suggest…

  • For mobile installations and compact workshops: Manual hand spin
  • For light usage and improved user-friendliness: Manual motorised
  • For moderate usage and great value for money: Semi-automatic
  • For garages intending to make wheel balancing a bread and butter service: Fully-automatic

 

Explore our complete range of wheel balancers today to find a machine that ticks all your boxes. And don’t forget: we offer PayPal Pay in 3, allowing you to spread the cost!

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Why Choose a Redback Wheel Balancer?

If you’re just starting your business, want to branch out into wheel balancing for the first time or plan to start a mobile tyre fitting and wheel balancing operation, Redback should be your first port of call.

Available in the UK exclusively from Tyre Bay Direct, Redback is one of the nation’s favourite budget brands. All its products have been created and refined based on feedback from those in the trade, so you can be sure you’re getting a machine that does everything you need it to.

Here are just a few standout reasons to choose Redback when you’re buying your first wheel balancer.

Unbeatable value

When it comes to value for money, Redback is hard to match. In terms of pure bang for your buck, a Redback machine is among the very best on the market – its entry level RB109 hand spin machine is available from just £525.00 excluding VAT.

Great features

Redback wheel balancers include all of the must-have features you need. Whether you’re looking for a simple manual, hand spin machine or an uber-efficient semi-automatic model, Redback is only too happy to oblige. All its machines support wheels up to 24” in diameter and come with three separate static, steel and ALU balancing modes.

Proven track record

Because of Redback’s popularity here in the UK, its machines have been thoroughly tested by workshops across the country – and they’ve more than held their own. Although they’re (naturally) not quite as tough as something from Atlas Platinum or Hofmann Megaplan, they’re still impressively durable.

Support when you need it

Buying through Tyre Bay Direct means you’ll get all the support you need, when you need it. From advice on the initial assembly and installation process through to the supply of spare parts to keep downtime to a minimum, our team has you covered.

Explore our range today

So, what are you waiting for? Explore our full range of Redback wheel balancers today and place your order online.