Manual vs Automatic Tyre Changers: Which Is Right For a Commercial Garage Franchise?

Whether manual or automatic tyre changers are right for your commercial garage franchise will depend on a number of factors. If you're not sure on the best type for your garage, we can help with this informative garage tyre charger comparison guide.

We get it, you want to balance upfront costs with overall performance, precision, longevity and time savings per tyre changing job. That's why we're here to help you consider the best choice based on your current and projected requirements.

Comparing Tyre Changer Costs, Throughput and Technician Efficiency 

An automatic tyre changer is typically more expensive than a manual tyre changer, and the reason behind this cost difference is worth considering when making a buying decision. For instance, a higher cost could equate to an increased ROI and efficiency for technicians.

Overall speed, performance and automation capabilities are key considerations, especially if you're looking to increase the number of tyre changes your technicians can complete per day, while also improving precision or accuracy.

Instead of focusing too much on the upfront cost when comparing manual vs automatic tyre changers, it's also worth weighing up which is better value for money. This ensures you're balancing the current and future needs of your garage.

Factors to consider include:

• Longevity: Materials used, reputation of the brand, warranty coverage and length, recommended lifespan and available post-sales servicing support are all useful details to compare. This will give you an indication of how reliable and robust each tyre changer is. You'll also be able to gauge how long each product will last before it gives up the ghost and needs replacing.
• Efficiency: Need to complete a high volume of tyre changes? Automatic tyre changers tend to be more efficient than manual ones as your technicians can complete more in less time. Yes, there is a learning curve if you're switching from traditional manual tyre changers to automated ones. However, with the right handover training, and communication of the benefits (less manual labour), you can empower your technicians and get them onboard with the switch to automatic. However, if your garage doesn't complete many tyre changes, the switch to automatic may not be necessary.
• Precision: Automatic tyre changers champion higher precision levels. Removing manual labour takes away human error – a barrier to true efficiency, precision and customer satisfaction.

When Manual Still Makes Sense in a Multi-Site Strategy

We've been singing our praises for automatic tyre changers, but that doesn't mean there's not a place for manual ones in a multi-site business. If your garage chain is on the smaller side, and tyre changing is not a primary service, a manual solution could be a more suitable option. This is especially true if your multi-site garage has a more restrained budget or cash flow.

Manual might not come with advanced technology, but that doesn't mean it's redundant garage equipment. They are affordable and versatile for low volume sites. 

Why Leading Garage Groups Choose Hofmann Megaplan

An automatic tyre changer brand we recommend is Hofmann Megaplan. They offer various levels of automation depending on your requirements, including fully automatic and super automatic.

Where Hofmann Megaplan excels is in their innovative mindset. From being the first to supply a 4 cylinder turntable to launching the first bead breaker with automated return to the home position, all features are designed to improve the ease of use, precision and efficiency for technicians. It's not just technicians that benefit – the overall enhanced speed at which tyre changes can be carried out speeds up the return on investment and increases revenue growth opportunities for high-volume, multi-site garages.

megamount 50F Fully Automatic Tyre Changer

megamount 70LLF Super Automatic Tyre Changer

megamount REBEL Tyre Changer

megamount 852-2 Tyre Changer

Which Is Right for Your Garage?

IWhen it comes to reputation for commercial garages, Hofmann Megaplan's automatic tyre changers are hard to beat. You may now know that automatic tyre changers are right for your garage, but there are many other specifications to factor into your final buying decision. We can help with our informative guides on our blog.