Hofmann – Standing The Test Of Time

Since its foundation in 1931 Hofmann wheel balancers and tyre changers have built a reputation for quality and reliability. A preferred choice at many leading car manufacturers and tyre shops its fair to say that there are probably few technicians in the country that haven’t used a Hofmann machine.

So how have Hofmann machines stood the test of time? “When we design our tyre changers and wheel balancers we always consider what customers are looking for – that’s why our customers keep coming back to us for their next generation of balancer”, said Brian O’Sullivan, General Manager at Hofmann/Snap-on Equipment Ltd. “With wheel balancers customers want a reliable machine that gives fast, accurate balance results and offers the right adapter options to cover the UK vehicle population. And when it comes to tyre changers today’s customers are looking for a fully automatic tilt-back machine with run-flat and low profile capabilities”.

Hofmann offers one of the most extensive ranges of wheel balancers in the UK with over 10 models to choose from. “At Hofmann we have a product to suit every pocket but we also believe that there are certain features that every wheel balancer must have”, commented O’Sullivan. “That’s why every Hofmann balancer comes with a weight placement arm, behind spoke weight placement and weight minimisation software as standard. Many of our competitors only offer these on their high-end machines”.

If customers want optimum performance then the geodyna 6900P is the latest addition to the Hofmann balancer family. It is a fully non-contact wheel balancer where ALL wheel data are measuring automatically by the machine. There’s no more need for manual data entry, callipers or measuring arms; the technician only has to clamp the wheel, close the hood and ‘let Hofmann do the rest’. After the results are displayed the technician places the balance weights using Hofmann’s patented geodata® arm.

With the increasing prominence of runflat and low profile rims, workshops are now looking for a tyre changer that can handle these rims without undue flexing of the turret or risk of damage to expensive alloys.

Hofmann recommends it’s monty® 3300 Racing and monty® 3550 tyre changers when dealing with runflats and low profile rims. Both machines are approved for fitting most leading runflat systems such as the Bridgestone RFT, Pirelli Eufori@, Dunlop DSST, Continental SSR, Michelin PAX and Goodyear EMT. In addition they come with the easymont pro™ helper arm as standard and can clamp up to 28″ and 30″ diameters respectively with optional adapters. The Hofmann easymont pro™ helper arm is one of the easiest systems on the market to use. Its single arm design follows the turntable 360 degrees around and removes the need for changing over to a second side arm as required on some tyre changer designs. A single arm design ensures maximum operator control and gets the job done in the shortest time possible.

And if you’re in any doubt about the quality of Hofmann tyre changers, says Brian O’Sullivan, just ask any one of the leading car manufacturers that have approved their products: Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Renault, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, etc.