Mayflower 560 Tire Changer and 680 Tire Balancer Unboxing

[@americansfirst1095]

Great real video. Just ordered the 988-680 combo, has yet to arrive. Enjoyed your honesty. I'm a mid 1980s SOHIO tire repairman. Got tired of the damage and super high prices by shops....so I ordered my own machines. These "rim" grabbing machines didn't exist when I first started back in the early 1980s, neither did aluminum wheels (very few). The old time tire changers would break the center out of aluminium wheels.....of course, those few aluminium wheels were not the same as todays aluminum either. How is it all holding up and treating you?

[@btbuildthings]

I actually haven't used the balancer yet. I just recently got this machine as a replacement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnaeYJ4m8l9Zrc. I still need to get a 15in wheel setup to calibrate the balancer but the first changer was fine, just needed to be able to grab larger rims. I also paired it with a leverless duckhead for easier use (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIvCiIylfq6WqbM). And yes, tire mounting prices have taken a hike so I don't blame you for getting your own machines. 😊

[@americansfirst1095]

@@btbuildthings .....Thank you so much. I never seen or heard tell of the leverless duckhead, would like to see it in action. As far as your video on your new machine.......I hope that I dont have buyers remorse? 😳 The Mayflower 988 that I ordered does have dual arms. Once again...great videos, and thanks for your responses....

[@btbuildthings]

No problem, glad to share my experiences. The Mayflower I got didn't have dual arms and I completely missed the fact that it only went up to 18 inch wheels for the outer clamp. Although the machine can do inner clamp up to 21 inches, I am not trying to damage my wheels with inner clamping. Having the dual arms is a must for me since I have low profile setups but also really needed the larger outer rim clamping. Your 988 can do up to 20 inches on the outside clamp and it has the bead breaker so you should be good to go.

[@demetriusjohnson4231]

Update on my journey to owning a NSX: I plan on going to a community college to be a MRI tech. They make similar pay as physical therapist and takes a lot less time to graduate. I'll be transferring schools next year!

[@btbuildthings]

That's awesome brother! Glad to see you are keeping your eye on the goal and how you will achieve it. What a way to be an inspiration to anyone with dreams and goals!

[@mrmotofy]

Casters WILL work, just put a 2nd NUT on caster shaft all the way down first then insert caster shaft through bracket. Then insert the fastening nut on the top

[@btbuildthings]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing this info!

[@mrmotofy]

988 Tire Changer (950 with 2 helper arms) For clarification the 560 is the smaller unit up to about 18” rims has the square tube rear upright and requires assembly of the bead breaker. The 950 is the larger up to 22” rims, has the “Bead Blaster” and main rear upright is a round cylinder air tank. There's also the options of the 2 helper arms the #232 unit making the #988 unit and the other 300 with the black additional upright with 2 arms on it with a disk, the #300 unit making the #960. The Mayflower 988/680 pair can fit tight in a space about 80” wide IF the Balancer is turned sideways so shaft is out facing you. Other arm options will need more space. The 988 (950 changer with 2 extra arms) is about 45” deep. I used casters on the 988(950+ extras), Harbor Freight #62276 3” locking 100lb. NEED (QTY 8) regular 1/2”-20 nuts (ORDER or get at a regular hardware store. Home stores don't stock them but can order some). Unit is at or over the max weight of the casters so user beware. Remove rubber foot on bottom, just pops out. Install 1 nut all the way down on caster then insert up through hole and install 2nd. Caster shaft needs a spacer so could use 1/2” flat washers too instead of the first nut. Foot bracket is upside down U channel. 1 Upgrade I added was a 1/4” NPT street elbow to the main airline input on the regulator after removing the factory Japanese style fitting the US doesn't use. That allows the air hose to hang down when connected instead of straight out the back. Then used a 1/4” male NPT to 3/8” hose barb to a 6' section of hose for a whip to move the connection out where it's convenient. That way it's easy to connect when using. Then I added a 1/4” NPT quarter turn valve so machine can be disconnected without losing all air pressure in case air supply line is needed etc. Another upgrade I did was added a higher volume airline. The “Bead Blaster” is almost a joke and SLOW. If you see the size of airline and the regulator it runs through you'll understand. I've seen a few add a line at the Regulator. That technically does work but doesn't have the flow capacity I desired. So I added a line to the tank(rear upright). Remove the included Tee for the gauge. Tank bung is 1/4” NPT so I used a Milton s-646 1/4” NPT Hex nipple into the bung using 4 layers of Teflon Tape on all connections. Then I used a Milton s-655 Brass 1/4” NPT Tee which has 3 Female fittings. One end screws onto the previous nipple so the middle connection is centered and angled down and back a little. The included Tank gauge Tee then screws into the other end of the new Tee. Then the middle is a port for a new hose to connect Using a male 1/4” NPT fitting like Milton s-602 1/4” male NPT to 3/8” ID hose barb and a hose clamp etc. I cut about an 8' chunk of another 3/8” ID air hose. I strongly suggest not using 1/4” hose. Then a quick connect fitting on the end. I use and highly recommend the High Flow Milton Type V couplers. You can use a regular air chuck or make a little bead blaster that runs way better. Use a quick connect fitting then a quarter turn 1/4” valve then a short section of hose and an air chuck that locks on. This is a much higher volume short hose feed off the tank. Smaller and more hose length are restrictions. You can now swap chucks and fill higher psi tires and a higher flow bead blaster. But care must be taken using the new bead blaster as it's got straight tank pressure. So use carefully and once bead pops insert valve and use a gauge to fill properly. 680 Balancer Options/Upgrades Many truck rims will need an additional adapter cone with 5.5” diameter that's sold separately For best results the 680 Balancer, should be anchored to floor. Don't just bolt down unless floor is perfectly level where unit sits. Base is bolted down with (3) 3/8” threaded anchor bolts ideally with 2 1/2” of threads sticking up to level with. Method is below. I wasn't ready to anchor yet so leveled with 3 3/8” x 2 1/2” hex bolt, 6 3/8” flat washers, 6 3/8” nuts. A small thin rubber piece size of a tire patch works good on floor to help keep from walking across floor. Install a nut on the 3/8” bolt approx 1/16” from head of bolt, then a washer. Insert bolt FROM BOTTOM UP through holes on bracket then install 2nd washer and 2nd nut loose, then do same to other 2 holes/bolts. The lowest nut can be adjusted up and down to raise and lower the machine bracket sitting on it. Use a 2nd wrench as needed to hold the hex head while adjusting nut up/down. Use a 24” level on the side of the case to adjust till plumb side to side and front to back. Don't use the plastic tray on top, there's no way to know if it's level to anything. Use the base sides. Then when height is good tighten down the top nut to keep height. 1 wrench holding bolt head 2nd on top nut tightening. Essentially the machine bracket is sandwiched between 2 washers with a nut on top and below. Parking lot light posts are mounted similar for reference except threaded rods are in concrete. As the concrete anchors should be to secure it.

[@btbuildthings]

Wow! Thanks for sharing such detailed info on these units. I'm sure this will come in very handy! 😎

[@mrmotofy]

@@btbuildthings I dropped a couple vids on em a few days ago. 1 shows the mods. I forgot to show the white highlights on the balancer rim width tool. White oil marker whiteout nail polish etc just touch raised numbers and lines to give contrast and make more obvious than black on black

[@btbuildthings]

@@mrmotofy Awesome, I'll check them out!

[@HaydenCroix]

Ayye! No more worrying about having someone damage your rims! Congrats on the new pick up BT!

[@btbuildthings]

Thanks man! 😊 Now I just have to wait for the add ons because these low profile tires are STIFF but we'll get it right soon!

[@josevalentin1992]

Nice bro can't wait to get my setup

[@btbuildthings]

Thanks. I've always wanted my own tire changer. One thing I have learned from this purchase is to just spend the extra dollars and get the machine that can accommodate a larger outer clamping of the rim.

[@sv2697]

The caster is a great idea. How is that coming along? Ever thought about putting the balancer also on 2x4 and wheels? Just picked up mine today, gonna put it together on the weekend. I spent the $600 now, double assist arms, to save the headache later.

[@btbuildthings]

The wheels are working great on the tire changer. As for the balancer, probably best if it's not on wheels to help with getting the wheels serviced more accurately.

[@sv2697]

@@btbuildthings after some research I found some leveling castor, GD-60s. It gives one the option to have wheels then also be planted in place. Got two sets for both changer and balancer. Will see how they work on the balancer when I put it together next week. The key would be being able to calibrate the balancer and balance the tires successfully. Otherwise it might be an anchor bolts and leveling plate situation.

[@btbuildthings]

@@sv2697 thanks for sharing, I will check those out to see how they work. It's always nice to be able to move items around the space as long as they still work properly.

[@sv2697]

@@btbuildthings so apparently they only drill 3 holes for the balancer but I still got it to works with 3 wheels. Just gotta make sure it's level front to back and left to right. Maybe it was better off building a platform for it then using the GD-60F on the wooden platform. I haven't done the self cal/factory cal since I need to pull the steel wheel from my car but in my initial test balancing for my first wheel and installing weights I was able to get 0 , 0 for both outer and inner of the tire. There is a 5 gram weight chase that comes on/off from time to time but I think that is due to the fact that #1) it wasn't cal and #2) I didn't clean the wheel and did a dirty sticker weight install. Most of the time I was getting 0,0 when I rerun it. Will clean up the wheels a bit later in the week when I have more time but I'm confident this will work.

[@btbuildthings]

@@sv2697 Interesting, only 3 holes. Lol. Looks like someone fell asleep on the job. You can always buy an annular cutter and add the last hole. Hmm a platform on wheels, not a bad idea!

[@Niceguys123100]

Love the video man! I noticed you said that for size 18+ you’d have to get a higher end model, what model do you recommend for 19’s and up? Thank you man!

[@btbuildthings]

Thanks! The 560 does 18 outer and 21 inner. The 950 and 960 is 20/24 and the 980 is 24/28. If you're doing 19+, just depends how high you will go. I'd almost say just do a one and done with the 980 that way you will never have any tire you cant work with.

[@christopherVegas25]

Great review! I'm thinking about getting this setup too. Does the truck drop off at the end of your driveway? Thanks

[@btbuildthings]

Thanks. Yes, it was delivered at set right in the garage where I unboxed it. Just FYI, if you plan to do anything above 18 inches, you might want to get the higher end model with the helper arm because you will definitely need it.

[@dodgeramsport01]

Why did you do the factory cal and not the other one listed in the manual?

[@kckuc310]

Nice setup

[@btbuildthings]

Thanks!

[@dustinmeyer6110]

Hi I'm thinking about getting this kind of tire machine and was wondering what size air compressor your using with it I have a 20 gallon air compressor just want to make sure I have a bigenough air compressor to run the machine

[@btbuildthings]

I'm currently using a 26 gallon which is good enough since I'm not using it daily. I would eventually like to get a 60 gallon but your 20 gallon should do just fine.

[@dustinmeyer6110]

@@btbuildthings ok thanks

[@leeroyexcavator9149]

What size are compressor does it need? Will a small pancake compressor work?

[@btbuildthings]

Considering these machines need 8-10 bar (120-145 psi), a small pancake would probably not be a viable option. I'm currently using a 26 gallon and it does need to refill often while using the tire changer but this is probably the smallest size I would consider using. A 60 gallon would be ideal.

[@leeroyexcavator9149]

​@@btbuildthings so much thanks for replying back quickly just found your channel while looking for info on these tire units. Planning on a buy like this in the next week or so!! Great job!

[@americansfirst1095]

How have the wheels been working out? Any issues?

[@btbuildthings]

The wheels have been doing well. I actually sold this machine and bought another and added the wheels to it. So far, no issues.

[@americansfirst1095]

@@btbuildthings ....That was a fast reply! Thanks! I was afraid that wheels on the machine would cause problems. Great idea, I like wheels on everything if I can, makes life easier, and much easier to rearrange and clean the floors. Probably not a good idea on the balancer though?

[@btbuildthings]

@@americansfirst1095 Lol, you're right, balancer is flat on the floor, no wheels.

[@juanauletjr.6381]

Still think the caster wheels don't belong on a tire machine. Just bolt it down.

[@btbuildthings]

Until I get more space, the wheels help for now, but bolt down is the optimum setup.

[@juanauletjr.6381]

How big of an air compressor?

[@btbuildthings]

Currently using a 26 gallon

[@Yololife813]

Hi Will that work on motorcycle tires?

[@btbuildthings]

You can do motorcycle tires by getting this adapter. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGqTeqKOgp5no5I

[@rreemayo88]

👨🏾‍💼👍🏾

[@btbuildthings]

😀