Solving the Price Versus Brand Issue at Tyre Bay Direct

It’s a contentious issue – price versus established brand reputation and trusted quality. Virtually everyone in the industry holds an opinion on the matter, but according Tyre Bay Direct, when it comes to tyre changers and wheel balancers, an equipment supplier can only properly answer what is best if they offer machines from both camps.

“As one of the only companies that can offer the choice between competitive Chinese tyre equipment and premium specification European models, Tyre Bay Direct believe each option has its merits,” comments company managing director Leigh Stote. “There is no need for us to steer a customer to one make of machinery we offer as we are not limited by one range. We simply listen to what they require, competently advise what each machines’ capabilities and specifications are, the warranty, service and accessory packages available with each, and the customer can then make their own, informed decision to suit their requirements from our advice.”

Some of the more popular machines from the Chinese range offer fantastic value for money, the company adds. From 20-inch Semi Automatic machines to 26-inch Fully Automatic tyre changers, all items come complete with alloy protector mounting head, jaw and bead breaker protectors. Combined with full consumable and equipment packages, also available from Tyre Bay Direct, these machines can offer a valuable start-up package.

Alternatively, from the European range, Tyre Bay Direct can supply the Ravaglioli G870ES.26 with a 28.5-inch clamping capacity, complete with extra large body, three way pneumatic assist arm and quick release tooling set to make light work of the most difficult wheel and tyre combinations. For what Tyre Bay Direct believes to be the ultimate in tyre changing equipment though, the lever-less fully automatic G1200 must be the pinnacle of the range. With a 34-inch capacity, double laser guided bead breaking and lever-less mount and de-mount technology, the company is confident the unit really does stand head and shoulders above any other machine.

Tyre Bay Direct further reports the introduction of a new concept in mobile fitting – The Shortie! Designed and manufactured by Italy’s FASEP, the Shortie! is based on 16-bit microprocessor technology. The Wheel Balancer centres around a space saving modern design. The machine is up to three times smaller than a standard machine, with six compartments for weights and tools and built-in storage capacity for three cones.

Within the balancer’s heart lies a VQI 3-sensor system, a FASEP exclusive design that is programmed with all standard functions such as split and ALU-SE as well as an innovative software functions such as MARS that automatically minimises chances of comebacks due to vibrations caused by residual static unbalance. What’s more, the software can be upgraded in seconds simply by connecting the balancer or flash drive to a PC.

Regardless of what level of equipment is specified, Tyre Bay Direct are confident their staff can provide a level of assistance that is more than up to the job. “We have a full team of our own engineers, most of which have worked in either Formula 1 Grand Prix or the retail industry as tyre fitters themselves, before being trained to build, install and maintain our machines, so they know what fitting tyres is all about,” adds Stote.