We all see there are so many different models of rim repair machines and it makes us wonder which one would suit our needs the best.
So let me give you some basic information and comparison between the models.
In this article I will go through the "hydraulic rim straighteners" from which we have the widest variety.
We will go 'up' step-by-step explaining the more and more sophisticated machines.
So let's start with the most basic tool which doesn't even qualify as a hydraulic tool, but still is popular.
That would be the rim repair wrench.
This wrench was designed to repair lip damages. Gives easy grig on all lips, thus it can be a very useful tool in any tire shops.
Please note this wrench is a default accessory with all hydraulic machines , and can be purchased individually also.
See the product in our webshop:
http://www.gammatradeusa.com/rim-straightener-wrench-p/lever1.htm
The next one I will talk about is the one we call the Junior rim straightener.
We use to call it an " entry level" machine, but don't let that mislead you.
This machine is perfectly capable of dealing with any damage on rims between 10"-24"
The picture shows the basic parts for later:)
The way the machine works is: there is an oil tank for the hydraulic-oil, an oil-pump (building up the hydraulic pressure with an electric motor , which goes up to the piston and produces 140 Bar pressure)
The support frame is to lean the piston against it while repairing the rim.
The following picture shows the available repair positions. We should imagine it like there is the piston with the pressing heads attached.
The piston is leaned against the support frame when we press from outside in, or against the spindle(axis) when we work inside-out.
This machine can be perfect for businesses adding rim repair as a new service or for mobile businesses.
The perfect way to start earning with an affordable machine.
See the product in our webshop:
http://www.gammatradeusa.com/rim-straightener-machine-p/14s00.htm
The next one is the Kaiser 57T
The difference between this model and the previous Junior is the second motor which spins the rim.
Why is it useful to have the rim spinned?
First it is easier to see if it wobbles.
Second it is handy when you decide to work on the rim with a grinder,sandpaper or something similar.
There is one more difference to the Junior though and that is the capability to accomodate some optional attachments.
These attachment are:
The polish and clean kit---so you can polish and clean the rims easily
And the multi-angle support bridge for more convinience:
Both of them are plug and play with the 57t
See them in our webshop:
http://www.gammatradeusa.com/Multi-angle-support-bridge-p/2324000.htm
http://www.gammatradeusa.com/rim-wheel-polish-and-clean-kit-p/7400.htm
The next one up is the Kaiser 5400.
This is when the lathe steps in.
From this model all of the upcoming ones will be equipped with a lathe.
So what is the lathe good for?
Some refer to that part as a CNC , so the function is very similar.
Basically the lathe is a very precisely adjustable blade which is designed to cut the rim.
By cutting I mean getting rid of the extra mass, let's say after welding or adjust the wavy lip.
Some use it to polish the rims by cutting off the dim surfaces, but my advice is to always go easy with the lathe.
My professional advice is not to use the lathe on the structure such as the drum/barell or spokes.
Just think about it, you might not want to weaken the structure holding 1/4 of the vehicle's weight approx.
We offer professional polishers for tasks as polishing.
The Kaiser 5400 has a "sliding lathe".
Let me explain with a picture:
To position the lathe we slide it on the rails to the desired position and after that the blade can be moved very precisely with the adjustment rolls. The rolls adjust the blade moving toward the rim, with other words in-out.
If we take the blue arrows as 9 and 3 than the in-out movement would be 12 and 6.
The Kaiser 5400 also works 10-24" and plug and play with the polisher kit.
See the product in our webshop:
http://www.gammatradeusa.com/rim-straightener-machine-with-lathe-p/5400.htm
The next model is the Kaiser 5700
This machine is very similar to the 5400 exept the lathe part.
While the 5400 has a sliding lathe, the 5700 has a turning one.
Let me explain it with a picture:
This turning lathe is really a matter of taste or experience.
I would say some prefer the sliding one, some like the turning one.
Apart from this there is no real difference between the 5400 and the 5700.
This model is also plug and play with the polisher kit and the bigger support frame.
See the machine in our webshop:
http://www.gammatradeusa.com/rim-straightener-machine-with-lathe-p/5700.htm
With the next model we enter into the family of the "gearbox-driven" family.
This means how the power produced by the motor is transferred to the spindle/axis.
The previous models were V-belt driven while the following ones have gearing for that.
The next line of products is called the "Jumbo"s.
These machines are very strongly built, gearing driven and are equipped with with a precisely adjustable lathe.(I'll explain in a bit)
You'll find two different models:
The Jumbo:
And the Jumbo K:
Yup,any better idea instead of the K is welcome.:)
So the difference between the two models is the support frame.
While the Jumbo has a normal support frame the Jumbo K has a so called multi-position support frame.
What the multi-position support frame does is it gives you more angles,distances during the repair.
If you take a close look on the pictures the difference is hard to miss.
Now with the next machine we enter the hands-free product line.
Being a hands-free machine means that the operator adjusts the angles, pressure,turns, with a joystick.
What are the advantages?
First of all his/your hand is never near to the piston which produces the hydraulic pressure.
Less chance to suffer an injury and also it is more convinient as the weight of the piston isnt on your arm and wrist.
From the client's point of view the machine looks extremely professional.
No other company has any straightener with even remotely similar looks.
These machines are bigger than the ones we've already discussed and also heavier.
We have two different models from this line:
The first one is the Professional Digital.
Now if we take a look on the picture , I pinpointed the main differences.
-It has a folding lathe (folds in when not needed and folds out when there's work to do with a press of the button)
-Joystick operated.(You can adjust of the movement of the piston with the joystick just like videogames:))
-The piston (pressing-pushing head) is also capable of pulling the defected parts, so it isn't only push anymore.
-Works form 10" to 26" so even bigger rims are covered.
-You can control the speed of the turning/spinnig of the rim electronically.
-The deffect measuring is digital:
it means that the gauge/meter is digital (unlike the previous models where it was a mechanical meter) and the data will show up on a screen right on top of the joystick.
With other words the machine will indicate if the rim is damaged from outside in or inside out and how much .
The machine with a video can be found on our website(scroll down a bit for the video):
http://www.gammatradeusa.com/rim-straightener-machine-with-lathe-p/5600ce.htm
These machines are very popular among dealerships.
The next one is the Grandmaster.
Now this is the best hydraulic machine there is on the market.
This machine works from 10" up to 30"
This machine has all the improvements that decades of straightening can give:
-Digital mesuring
-Multi position clamps: the easiest way to find the best position for the pressing head.
-Hands-free operation
-Bottom clamp: As professionals we know that the bottom of the rim tends to move slightly as we are pushing the top. It is more like a twisting move which makes the bottom to move a mm or two. The bottom clamp holds the bottom of the rim rock solid, so the adjustments on top will be more accurate resulting less pushes to get the perfect result.
It is important to mention that on this model the lathe is on the other side of the machine (unlike Professional Digital) so you have to have enough space to walk around the machine.
Please watch the video for better understanding(scroll down a little on the page):
http://www.gammatradeusa.com/Grandmaster-rim-straightener-machine-with-lathe-p/7500ce.htm
I hope this little article answer a few questions and also gives the impression that we know what we are talking about.
We don't only sell the machines but use them on a daily basis.
All facts combined trust us when we say we've picked the best quality products available.
Our goal was to find the machines we can work with, last long and gives the best possible productivity and comfort.
If there was any better machines we'd be selling those:)
In case you'd give us a little appreciation for our hard work with gathering all the information like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Garagetools
Happy straightening
