Advice on Coats 220 tire changer

[tas850g]

I have the opportunity to buy a used Coats 220 tire changer. Does anyone have one and/or have any good or bad experiences with one?

I've read they may be prone to scratching rims but that may be an operator problem though.

[steve murdoch]

Get some rim guards and lessen the chances of scratches.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coats-Rim-Clamp-Protection-Guards-10-Qty-183604-/150798517996?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item231c4ac6ec&vxp=mtr

[jeff.saunders]

I had one for 5-6 years. They have to be bolted down (I used mine bolted to an oversized pallet for a while - it worked OK, and was portable). They work OK - the rim protectors are needed. I was always very reluctant to use on wire wheel with aluminum rims.

[tas850g]

Ya, I've read that too about needing rim protectors which I'll get some. The guy's not sure if he wants to sell it and I'm in no rush either.

[nick1000]

Just used mine yesterday...have it bolted to a pallet and just drag it out of the corner. My plastic tire-iron and rim protectors are getting pretty ragged so I'm glad to read that they are out there. The unit works fine....but....

After visiting the IM Show and talking to the NoMar guy, I think I'm going in that direction soon. My Coats is a bit fiddly...I'm always risking the rim slipping because the clamp is not-so-good-anymore and despite using the rim protector plastic pieces, the clamps are still steel where they touch part of the wheel. I do like the giant tire iron and the bead-breaker, but the NoMar stuff looked well done and they stress rim protection constantly. My 02 cents.

[tas850g]

Thanks for the .02

I haven't heard back from the potential seller but not a big deal.