Hunter makes tire changing more user-friendly with Maverick Pro
Hunter Engineering has built upon the success of the original Maverick center-clamp tire changer with the enhanced Maverick Pro, which allows technicians to break beads all day without breaking (much of) a sweat. The two most significant upgrades on the U.S.-made equipment include an ergonomic pick-and-place wheel lift and under-wheel light.
The wheel lift can handle heavy assemblies and 19.5” tires up to 175 lbs., making it suitable for work on medium-duty trucks. First, the technician places the assembly upright on the lift bar. When they raise the tire assembly it smoothly tilts and slides onto rollers that position it above the center spindle before dropping into place.
The lower roller lighting automatically provides under-wheel illumination, making it easier for techs to break the bottom beads and lubricate hard-to-see areas during the mount/demount process. The light comes with a customizable timer shut-off.
The original Maverick debuted at the end of 2022, and this is simply an evolution based on customer feedback, according to Jim Hudson, Hunter Product Manager for Tire Changers
“The Maverick Pro is a great example of how listening to the customer leads to better products that make wheel service easier,” Hudson said. “Technicians have loved the Maverick since its release, and the ergonomic lift and under-wheel light make tire changing safer, faster, and easier for everyone.”
The new TCMPRO model retains all the efficiency and productivity of the base model. The four-joystick layout allows a user to operate with just one finger, while using hydraulics versus air provides variable control—a combination of low-speed functionality and on-demand acceleration—so the tech can work at their own pace. The hydraulic drive offers up to 17 rpm and 700 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Additional features:
By connecting to the HunterNet 2 portal, shop managers can also monitor the equipment and track performance and ROI goals.
Smartest Leverless head eliminates the risk of damage to the rim or operator.
The InflationStation that fills tires to the desired pressure automatically without operator presence
Rim diameter ranges from 10” to 34”,
The Maverick Pro weighs 1,145 lbs. and is larger than the original, with a 70” x 81” footprint over the Maverick’s 46” x 57” size.
About the Author
John Hitch
Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance
John Hitch is the award-winning editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance leaders and technicians with the the latest information on tools, strategies, and best practices to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.
He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade. Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner and before that was technology editor for IndustryWeek and and managing editor of New Equipment Digest.
Hitch graduated from Kent State University and was editor of the student magazine The Burr in 2009.
The former sonar technician served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), where he participated in counter-drug ops, an under-ice expedition, and other missions he's not allowed to talk about for several more decades.