Virtual trade event showcases latest advancements in equipment and technology.
Hunter Engineering invited the industry to attend the Hunter Innovation Expo in early November. The digital event was a showcase of brand new Hunter technology, all of which was designed to help dealerships and tire retailers to improve productivity, enhance efficiency and boost profits.
While it would be a challenge to discuss all the new products and technologies Hunter has brought to market, Autosphere Mag would like to share the following highlights with our audience.
HunterNet 2.0
The big news here is that Hunter’s innovative portal allows management to monitor their return on investment in real time via HunterNet 2.0. Push reports can tell management how often all Hunter equipment is being used (and how) in order to maximize the shop’s performance.
Hunter’s online business intelligence tool not only keeps track of the number of inspections, alignments, and balances taking place at a single store or throughout an entire chain of retail locations, but it can also push these reports to management in real time.
Managers and owners can receive reports twice during the day to review the status of daily goals vs. performance. These reports are pushed to mobile devices via text or email.
Revolution tire changer
Well known in the industry, Hunter’s Revolution tire changer is better than ever. Completely updated, the 4th generation Revolution comes to market with new features including HunterNet connectivity. The Internet-connected Revolution can track and report usage data, take before and after photos of each wheel/tire assembly, and fill out trend reports, which can automatically be forwarded to management via HunterNet.
The newest version of this popular tire changer includes a new hydraulic spindle and enhanced powered press arms, as well as the latest Revolution software and training information.
Heavy-duty tire changer
For the heavy-duty side of the market, Hunter has boosted the power output and speed of their popular HD tire changer, the TCX635HD, which now has 18% faster rotation and 30% more torque than the previous model. This means tire technicians working with over-the-road truck tires can get the job done faster and safer whether working with standard, wide base or super single assemblies.
The TCX635HD also features a low profile carriage, which means it can handle tires that have a larger diameter (2-inch increase over previous model). The lower carriage also allows for a more ergonomic rollup.
Heavy-duty wheel balancer
Once those heavy-duty tires are installed on their heavy-duty rims, Hunter’s HD Elite heavy-duty wheel balancer takes over, making sure each wheel assembly is perfectly balanced and ready for the road. With advanced technologies from Hunter’s Road Force Elite and ForceMatch HD balancers baked into the DNA of the HD Elite, vibrations are eliminated, thus extending the usable life of each tire.
The HD Elite can handle massive 52-inch diameter assemblies and boasts a 500lb capacity. Yet despite its brawn and size, all functions and features are easily controlled with the simple tap of a touchscreen interface, which is user friendly enough for technicians with varied levels of experience to use.
In addition, a new laser vision system allows for touchless wheel measurements, along with automatic dimension and runout measurements, while Hunter’s eCal Auto-Calibration technology eliminates the need for an operator to calibrate things manually.
“The laser vision system is a game-changer for HD assemblies,” explained Greg Meyer, Hunter’s Product Manager of Wheel Balancers and Brake Lathes. “It allows the machine to balance and measure assembly runout faster than other HD balancers. This allows us to maximize tire life and minimize vibrations without a time penalty.”
HD alignment 4-post lift
Sticking with the heavy-duty theme, Hunter also unveiled the L494HD, a new HD alignment 4-post lift that promises a new level of ease, safety and efficiency.
Some of the exciting new features—all of which boost the capabilities of this new HD lift—include 30-inch extra-wide galvanized runways for an extended service life, a 35,000 lb lifting capacity, and slip plates and turnplate pockets for universal alignment capability. The L494HD can also handle 300” alignment / 320” service wheelbase.
There’s much more to come from Hunter Engineering in the next few months. Stay tuned as this industry leader continues to innovate and bring to market equipment and technologies that today’s tire professionals need and demand.
