Motorcycle Tire Changers

Three types of machine in this category

1. Manual center-post changer

The JMC Equipment TC-MCATVM is the manual option, and it is the machine behind most searches for a manual motorcycle tire changer. Its listing describes a three-clamp system that holds the wheel from the center, an integrated bead breaker, and two center posts, listed at 1/2 in. and 5/8 in. in diameter (13 mm and 16 mm); ask which post suits your wheels. It is stated as compatible with motorcycle, golf cart and ATV wheels, and it accepts both tubed and tubeless tires. The TC-MCATVM is a manual machine and its listing states no power or air requirement, and it notes that minimal assembly is required. Its listed footprint is a 12 in. x 19 in. base with a 29.5 in. clamping tube height. The listing does not state a mounting method, so confirm anchoring on the model's manual before you commit a bench or a stand to it.

One inconsistency in that listing is worth knowing before you order: the specification table gives the metric equivalents of the minimum and maximum wheel sizes as 120 mm and 524 mm, which do not convert exactly from the 4 in. and 21 in. figures. The inch figures are the ones repeated in the features list (clamping range 4 in. - 21 in.), so treat the inch values as the reliable ones and confirm the metric equivalents on the model's spec sheet if you are working to millimeters.

2. Pneumatic rim-clamp changers

The JMC Equipment TC-400M-B and the iDEAL TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS are the powered machines. Both listings share the same core specification table: up to 37 in. maximum wheel diameter, 10 in. maximum wheel width, an outside rim clamp range of 6 in. - 24 in., a 110V - 15 Amp - 1 PH power supply, 125 psi working pressure, and a 470 lbs ship weight. Both use four clamps driven by double-acting pneumatic cylinders, and both listings state that a regulator, an oiler and a water trap (water separator) are included.

The differences are in what each listing actually documents. The iDEAL TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS listing adds a swivel arm design that the listing states accommodates wheels with disc brakes and transmission components already mounted, a stated bead breaker force of 5,500 lbs, electric table rotation, plastic clamps to protect the wheel from scratching, and a hand-held inflation gun. The JMC Equipment TC-400M-B listing documents an adjustable clamp seat, four pneumatic clamps with a double acting cylinder, and a side mounted bead breaker. Its published specification table does not include a bead breaker force figure or a table rotation method, so ask for the spec sheet if those two points decide your purchase. Listed prices are $1,624 for the TC-400M-B and $1,760 for the TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS.

One more limit that is easy to miss: the TC-400M-B specification table lists the inside rim clamp range as N/A. These machines clamp the rim from the outside, over a 6 in. - 24 in. range. That covers ordinary motorcycle and ATV rims comfortably, but if your work depends on inside clamping, this platform is not the one.

3. Semi-automatic professional changer

The Corghi BC200S is listed in this category but is not currently available to order online; its listed price is $4,635. Ask for availability before you plan around it. Its listing describes a semi-automatic MOTORCYCLE line machine for professional and intensive use on motorcycle, scooter, go-kart and garden equipment wheels, as well as on very thick wheels such as quad wheels. Clamping is by a horizontal side tilting arm with manual clamping of the vertical tool arm, and the turntable has three clamping positions selectable without tools. The bead breaking unit is variable in height so the operator can work at an ergonomic position, and the wheel support moves to three positions with a maximum opening of 14.5 in. (370 mm) to handle high-profile ATV and quad tires.

Two capacity figures in that listing need to be read together, because they are not the same measurement. The two figures describe different setups: the turntable itself is stated at 5 in. to 23 in. across its three positions, while the 6 in. - 16 in. figure is labeled as the standard clamping capacity with the ATV kit. This package is listed as the BC200S plus a wheel support kit and a small wheel mounting roller; it does not list an ATV kit, so confirm which configuration you are quoting before you order. Maximum wheel diameter is stated as 39.37 in. (1000 mm), the turntable rotation as 8 - 15 rpm, and the bead-breaking blade force as 750 kg (1,653 lbs), which is lower than the 5,500 lbs stated for the iDEAL TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS. Do not read the higher price as a stronger bead breaker; the BC200S is bought for its wheel range and its three-position support, not for breaker force.

Capacity, at a glance

Rim clamping range: 4 in. - 21 in. on the TC-MCATVM; 6 in. - 24 in. outside clamping on both TC-400M-B platform machines; 5 in. - 23 in. across three turntable positions on the BC200S (its spec table lists 6 in. - 16 in. with the ATV kit). Maximum mounted wheel diameter: not published for the TC-MCATVM, up to 37 in. on both TC-400M-B machines, up to 39.37 in. (1000 mm) on the BC200S. Wheel width is stated as up to 10 in. on the TC-400M-B and the iDEAL TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS. On the BC200S, maximum wheel width depends on the bead breaker support position: 7.5 in. (190 mm) in position 1, 11 in. (280 mm) in position 2, and 14.5 in. (370 mm) in position 3. The TC-MCATVM listing does not state a maximum wheel width, so check the model's spec sheet if you run wide rear tires on that machine.

What you need in the bay

Electrical. The TC-400M-B and the TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS are both listed at 110V - 15 Amp - single phase, so a standard dedicated shop circuit is enough. The Corghi BC200S power unit is listed as 230V 1 ph 0.75 kW or 230-400V 3 ph 0.55 kW, which means it is not a plug-and-play machine on a 110V outlet; plan the circuit before it arrives. The TC-MCATVM is a manual machine and its listing states no power or air requirement.

Compressed air. The two TC-400M-B platform machines list a working pressure of 125 psi. The Corghi BC200S lists an operating pressure of 8-10 bar (116-145 psi). The TC-MCATVM is fully manual and does not list an air requirement. None of the four listings specify a compressor CFM rating, so size the compressor with your supplier rather than guessing from the pressure figure alone.

Floor and shipping space. The TC-MCATVM lists a 12 in. x 19 in. base with a 29.5 in. clamping tube height, and ships at a listed 73 lbs in a 22 in. x 13 in. x 28 in. package. The TC-400M-B and the TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS both list a 470 lbs ship weight; neither listing publishes crate dimensions, so confirm them with us before you plan the doorway and the delivery. The Corghi BC200S spec table gives a machine weight of 330.69 lbs (150 kg); the listing does not publish a shipping weight or crate dimensions for the package, which also includes the wheel support kit and the small wheel mounting roller. Ask for the crate figures before you plan the delivery. None of the listings state a ceiling height or a floor anchoring requirement, so consult the model's manual for mounting details.

Freight and certifications

Freight is quoted per unit on the listings that state it: $155 per unit for the TC-MCATVM, $350 per unit for the TC-400M-B, and $395 per unit for the TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS. Those figures apply to addresses within the contiguous 48 states; Alaska, Hawaii and remote or limited-access locations are excluded and may cost more, and orders of more than 2 units are quoted separately. The Corghi BC200S listing does not publish a per-unit freight figure, so ask for a quote.

On certifications: none of the four listings in this category declares an ALI, ETL, ASME or OSHA certification. If your shop, insurer or fleet contract requires documented third-party certification, request the documentation for the specific model before ordering rather than assuming it exists.

Comparison of the four machines

Optional accessories listed for the TC-400M-B

The TC-400M-B listing names two accessories, both sold separately and both listed as their own items:

Accessory freight is quoted per unit on the same contiguous-48 terms as the machines.

Frequently asked questions

Manual or powered: which one fits my shop?

Volume and staffing decide it. The manual TC-MCATVM is described in its own listing as excellent for the enthusiast and hobbyist, and it is the only manual machine on this page, and its listing states no power or air requirement. If tires are a daily production job, the pneumatic TC-400M-B or TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS remove the physical effort and take a much larger wheel: up to 37 in. in diameter against 21 in. on the manual. Note the trade-off at the small end: the pneumatic machines clamp from 6 in., while the manual TC-MCATVM clamps from 4 in. The Corghi BC200S is specified for professional and intensive use, its price and 230V power requirement reflect that, and it is not currently available to order online.

Will these handle ATV and quad wheels?

Three of the four say so in writing. The TC-MCATVM is described as compatible with motorcycle, golf cart and ATV wheels; the TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS is described as a motorcycle and ATV tire changer; the BC200S is described as suitable for motorcycle, scooter, go-kart and garden equipment wheels as well as very thick wheels such as quad wheels, and its three-position wheel support opens to 14.5 in. (370 mm) specifically for high-profile ATV and quad tires. The JMC Equipment TC-400M-B listing describes motorcycle wheels only and does not state ATV use, so ask before you order it for a quad fleet, and confirm your rim size against its 6 in. - 24 in. outside clamp range. Check the clamping range against your widest rim before ordering.

Can I change a tire with the brake disc and sprocket still on the wheel?

The iDEAL TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS listing states this directly: its swivel arm design accommodates wheels with disc brakes and transmission components already mounted. The other three listings do not make that claim one way or the other, so confirm it on the model's spec sheet if you want to skip stripping the wheel.

Do I also need a wheel balancer?

Every machine in this category is a tire changer; none of the four listings mentions balancing. A motorcycle wheel also has to be balanced, and JMC lists motorcycle wheel balancers in its wheel balancer category. Ask for the changer and the balancer on the same quote so the freight is arranged once.

What air compressor do I need?

Match the pressure first: 125 psi working pressure for the TC-400M-B and the TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS, and 8-10 bar (116-145 psi) for the Corghi BC200S. Both TC-400M-B platform listings include a regulator, an oiler and a water trap, so the air conditioning gear at the machine is covered. Neither listing states a required CFM, so size the compressor with your supplier based on how many wheels you run per hour.

How do these ship, and can I move one myself?

The TC-MCATVM ships in a 22 in. x 13 in. x 28 in. package at a listed 73 lbs, with freight listed at $155 per unit, and requires minimal assembly. The TC-400M-B and TC-400M-B-iDEAL PS both list a 470 lbs ship weight, at $350 and $395 per unit respectively; neither listing publishes crate dimensions, so confirm them with us before you plan the doorway. The listings do not state unloading requirements: at that weight you need a forklift, a pallet jack or a dock to receive the crate, and the listed freight does not state liftgate service, so tell us if you have no dock and we will quote it before the order ships. Freight covers delivery to the contiguous 48 states; Alaska, Hawaii and remote or limited-access locations are excluded, and orders of more than 2 units are quoted case by case.