COATS Tire & Wheel Equipment

The industry standard in tire changers, wheel balancers, and alignment systems. Manufactured in Nashville, Tennessee. Rim Clamp® technology that changed the industry forever.

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The COATS Legacy — American Manufacturing Excellence

The COATS Company (formerly Hennessy Industries) is headquartered in LaVergne, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. Their 150,000 square-foot facility operates 7 production lines and handles everything from receiving raw materials to manufacturing, assembling, and testing finished products.

COATS is a fully integrated manufacturer — they don’t just assemble imported components. They transform raw materials into tested, finished products under one roof. That level of manufacturing control shows in the reliability and durability of their equipment.

The Rim Clamp® tire changer — COATS’ most iconic innovation — fundamentally changed how tires are mounted and demounted. Instead of fighting a tire onto a rim, the Rim Clamp holds the wheel from the outside, making the process faster, safer, and less likely to damage expensive wheels.

COATS tire changer for professional tire shops

COATS Product Lineup

Tire changers, wheel balancers, alignment systems, and automotive lifts — everything your tire and wheel service center needs, from one manufacturer.

COATS tire changer for professional tire shops

COATS Tire Changers

The Maxx Series (70, 80, 90) — premium Rim Clamp® technology. CHD Series for heavy-duty. HIT Series and tilt-back models. The industry standard in tire changing.

COATS wheel balancer for automotive service centers

COATS Wheel Balancers

Direct Drive technology for superior accuracy. The E900 next-gen diagnostic balancer. Standard and heavy-duty models for passenger vehicles through commercial trucks.

COATS professional wheel service machine

COATS Alignment & Lifts

Complete alignment systems with camera and sensor technology. Automotive lifts purpose-built for tire and wheel service. Complete shop solutions from one brand.

Why Choose COATS?

Made in Nashville, TN

150,000 sq ft fully integrated manufacturing facility. Raw materials in, finished products out. 7 production lines under one roof — complete American manufacturing.

Rim Clamp® Technology

The innovation that changed tire service forever. External clamping holds the wheel securely without contact to the inner rim — faster, safer, and wheel-friendly.

Direct Drive Balancing

No belts, no gears. Direct-drive motor technology delivers superior spin-up accuracy, less vibration, and dramatically longer service life than conventional balancers.

Complete Shop Solutions

Tire changers, wheel balancers, alignment systems, and lifts from one manufacturer. Standardize your entire tire service operation on COATS equipment.

Light-Duty to Heavy-Duty

From passenger car tire changers to commercial truck equipment. COATS covers the full spectrum of tire and wheel service needs.

Industry-Leading Support

Decades of service network development. Trained technicians, parts availability, and technical support for the long haul.

COATS Tire Changer Lineup Compared

Model Series Max Wheel Dia Key Feature Best For
Maxx 70 Maxx (Premium) 30″ Entry-Level Maxx General Tire Service
Maxx 80 Maxx (Premium) 30″ Power Assist Mid-Volume Shops
Maxx 90 Maxx (Premium) 30″ Full Power High-Volume / Dealerships
CHD Series Heavy-Duty 56″ Commercial Truck Truck / Fleet Service

Frequently Asked Questions — COATS

“COATS defined modern tire service with the Rim Clamp and they haven’t stopped innovating. When we spec a tire service center, COATS is always in the conversation.”

— TruckAndCarLifts.com Team

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COATS Company — Tire Changers, Wheel Balancers, Alignment Systems, and Automotive Lifts

COATS is one of the most recognized names in the tire service industry, and for good reason. In 1947, Gil Coats designed a wheel holder for changing tractor tires in his farm-implement business. That humble invention evolved into the world’s first semi-automatic tire changer, and together with Jack Hennessy, Gil launched one of the most respected brands in automotive service equipment. Nearly eight decades later, COATS equipment can be found in tire shops, dealerships, and service centers across the country — and the brand has expanded well beyond its tire-changing roots.

Today, The COATS Company (formerly Hennessy Industries) is headquartered in LaVergne, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. Their 150,000 square-foot facility operates 7 production lines and handles everything from receiving raw materials to manufacturing, assembling, and testing finished products. COATS is a fully integrated manufacturer — they do not just assemble imported components. They transform raw materials into tested, finished products under one roof. That level of manufacturing control shows in the reliability and durability of their equipment.

While COATS built their reputation on tire changers and wheel balancers, the company has expanded significantly into a total shop solutions provider. Their current product range includes tire changers, wheel balancers, wheel alignment systems, automotive lifts (two-post, four-post, scissor, low-profile, and mobile columns), air compressors, and digital vehicle inspection and shop productivity software. For tire shops and general service centers, COATS offers a complete equipment ecosystem from a single manufacturer.

At TruckAndCarLifts.com, we carry COATS equipment and provide experienced guidance on building out your shop with the right tools. Contact us for pricing on any COATS product.

COATS Company History and Heritage — From Tractor Tires to Total Shop Solutions

The COATS story begins in 1947 when Gil Coats, working in his farm-implement business, got tired of the back-breaking work of changing tractor tires by hand. His solution was a wheel holder that made the job dramatically easier. That practical, problem-solving approach defined the brand from day one — COATS equipment has always been designed by people who understand the real work that technicians do every day.

Gil’s wheel holder quickly evolved into something much more significant: the world’s first semi-automatic tire changer. This was not just a new product — it was a new category of equipment. Before Coats, changing tires was entirely manual labor. The semi-automatic changer transformed tire service from a grueling physical task into a process that could be performed efficiently and consistently.

Jack Hennessy partnered with Gil Coats to build the business, eventually buying the company and establishing Hennessy Industries. Under the Hennessy name, the COATS brand grew into the dominant force in tire service equipment. The company added wheel balancers to complement their tire changer line, creating a complete wheel service equipment offering that became the standard for tire shops nationwide.

Over the decades, COATS continued to innovate in the tire and wheel service space. They developed the Rim Clamp tire changer design that became an industry standard. They pioneered leverless tire changing technology that protects expensive alloy wheels from damage. They introduced computer-aided wheel balancing that improved accuracy and reduced weight usage. Each innovation addressed a real problem that technicians encountered daily — that is the COATS approach to product development.

In 2023, Hennessy Industries rebranded to The COATS Company, reflecting the expansion of the COATS brand beyond tire and wheel service into lifts, alignment systems, air compressors, and digital shop tools. The rebrand signaled the company’s commitment to being a total shop solutions provider rather than just a tire equipment manufacturer. This evolution makes COATS one of the only companies that can equip an entire tire shop or service center from a single brand — from the lift to the tire changer to the balancer to the alignment system to the air compressor to the shop management software.

Manufacturing in Nashville, Tennessee

COATS manufactures in LaVergne, Tennessee, in the Nashville metropolitan area. The 150,000 square-foot facility is a fully integrated manufacturing operation with 7 production lines. COATS controls the entire production process from raw material to finished product, including machining, welding, assembly, and testing. This level of vertical integration is increasingly rare in the equipment industry and gives COATS direct control over the quality of every component in their products.

The Nashville facility is not just a production floor — it is the heartbeat of the COATS brand. Engineering, product development, quality assurance, customer support, and manufacturing all happen under one roof. This proximity between engineering and production means that design improvements can be implemented quickly, quality issues are identified and resolved fast, and customer feedback flows directly to the people who design and build the equipment.

COATS invites customers to visit the facility and see how their equipment is built — a level of manufacturing transparency that speaks to their confidence in their production processes. When you walk the floor and see raw steel being cut, formed, welded, machined, and assembled into finished tire changers and lifts, you understand why COATS equipment lasts as long as it does.

The 7 production lines in the Nashville facility cover different product categories: tire changers, wheel balancers, lift equipment, and related accessories. Each line is optimized for its specific product, with dedicated tooling, fixtures, and quality checkpoints. This specialization within the facility ensures that the people building your tire changer are tire changer experts, and the people building your lift are lift specialists — they are not switching between unrelated products throughout the day.

The Rim Clamp Legacy

COATS developed the Rim Clamp tire changer design that became an industry standard. The Rim Clamp name is synonymous with professional tire changing equipment, and COATS has held this trademark for decades. When experienced tire technicians refer to a “Rim Clamp,” they are talking about COATS. This brand recognition in the tire service community is unmatched — it represents the same kind of category dominance that Kleenex has in tissues or Band-Aid has in adhesive bandages. The Rim Clamp legacy is built into every Maxx Series tire changer that leaves the Nashville facility.

Industry Leadership and Innovation Timeline

COATS’ innovation history spans nearly eight decades:

  • 1947: Gil Coats invents the wheel holder for tractor tire changing
  • Late 1940s-1950s: Development of the world’s first semi-automatic tire changer
  • 1960s-1970s: Introduction of the Rim Clamp design that becomes the industry standard
  • 1980s-1990s: Development of computer-aided wheel balancing technology
  • 2000s: Introduction of leverless tire changing technology for alloy wheel protection
  • 2010s: Expansion into automotive lifts and alignment systems
  • 2023: Rebrand from Hennessy Industries to The COATS Company, reflecting total shop solutions approach
  • 2020s: Launch of digital vehicle inspection tools, E900 diagnostic balancer, and continued lift line expansion
  • Each innovation addressed a real problem in the tire service industry. The semi-automatic changer eliminated back-breaking manual tire changing. The Rim Clamp provided secure, reliable wheel holding. Leverless technology protected expensive alloy wheels. Computer balancing improved accuracy and reduced weight usage. And the expansion into lifts, alignment, and digital tools reflects the modern tire shop’s need for a complete, integrated equipment ecosystem.

Service Network

COATS operates what they describe as the best national service network in the industry. For tire shops that depend on their equipment being operational every day, that service infrastructure is critical. When a tire changer goes down in a busy shop, every hour of downtime costs money. A shop that changes 40 tires a day and loses their primary tire changer is losing revenue from the moment it goes down. COATS’ service network is designed to minimize that downtime with rapid response and comprehensive support.

The service network covers the entire country, with trained service technicians who specialize in COATS equipment. These are not generic equipment repair companies — they are COATS-trained specialists who know the specific machines, their common service needs, and how to get them running quickly. That specialization translates into faster diagnosis, faster repairs, and less downtime for your shop.

COATS Tire Changers — The Core of the Brand

Tire changers are where COATS made their name, and they remain a core strength of the brand. The current tire changer lineup is organized into several series designed for different shop needs and budgets. Every COATS tire changer is built in Nashville, Tennessee, and backed by the company’s national service network.

Maxx Series Tire Changers — The Premium Line

The Maxx Series represents COATS’ premium tire changer offering, designed for high-volume shops that need to handle the toughest tire and wheel combinations while maximizing throughput. The series includes three models — Maxx 70, Maxx 80, and Maxx 90 — each progressively adding features for more demanding applications.

All Maxx Series models share these standard features:

  • Dual Nozzle Bead Seating: Two nozzles point directly at the bead and rim, delivering a powerful, concentrated blast of increased airflow to seal tough beads more efficiently than single-nozzle designs.
  • 220V 2HP Electric Motor: Standard on all Maxx models. The higher voltage provides more power and torque to tackle trucks, mud tires, and 19.5″ wheels that challenge lesser machines.
  • No Indexing Required: The tabletop does not need to be indexed when working on large assemblies, reducing pedal presses and allowing technicians to keep moving. Maxx handles wheels from 6″ lawn mower tires all the way up to 30″ extreme wheel assemblies.
  • 4 Rim Clamp, Air Cylinder Operated: Positive clamping for secure wheel holding during all service operations.
  • Air Motor: 110-175 PSI, 15 SCFM
  • Footprint: 74″ wide x 44″ deep x 88″ high

Maxx 70 — The Entry-Level Maxx

  • Application: Car and light truck
  • External Rim Diameter: 6″ to 24″
  • Max Tire Diameter: 50″
  • Max Rim Width: 16″
  • Bead Loosener Control: Hand control
  • Tool Head: Swing-away arm with nylon duckhead
  • Included: Robo-Arm bead depressor
  • Motor: 220V, 2 HP electric
  • The Maxx 70 provides the core Maxx Series capabilities — dual nozzle, 220V power, no indexing, and the Robo-Arm bead depressor — in the most accessible Maxx package. For shops that want COATS’ premium build quality and performance without the additional tool head features of the Maxx 80 and 90, the Maxx 70 delivers.

Maxx 80 — The Mid-Range Workhorse

  • Application: Car and light truck
  • External Rim Diameter: 6″ to 24″
  • Max Tire Diameter: 50″
  • Max Rim Width: 16″
  • Bead Loosener Control: Hand AND foot control (dual mode)
  • Tool Head: Swing-away arm with nylon duckhead
  • Included: Robo-Arm bead depressor, RoboRoller, storage cabinet
  • Motor: 220V, 2 HP electric
  • The Maxx 80 adds dual-control mode bead loosening (hand or foot) so technicians can work the way they prefer. The RoboRoller provides additional assistance during the demounting process, and the built-in storage cabinet keeps tools and accessories organized. Different technicians have different work styles — the Maxx 80 gives them the flexibility to choose.

Maxx 90 — The Top of the Line

  • Application: Car and light truck
  • External Rim Diameter: 6″ to 24″ (expandable to 30″)
  • Max Tire Diameter: 50″
  • Max Rim Width: 16″
  • Bead Loosener Control: Hand AND foot control (dual mode)
  • Tool Head: Leverless Bead Lifter
  • Included: Robo-Arm bead depressor, RoboRoller, storage cabinet
  • Rim Clamp: 30″ max, 4 rim clamp, air cylinder operated
  • Motor: 220V, 2-speed electric
  • The Maxx 90 is the flagship. It replaces the swing-away arm with COATS’ leverless bead lifter — a tool head that mounts and demounts tires without ever contacting the wheel surface with a metal tool. This is critical for shops that service expensive alloy wheels, where any scratch or gouge means an unhappy customer and a potential wheel replacement. The 2-speed motor option provides both precision at low speed and productivity at high speed. The expanded 30″ rim clamp capability handles the largest aftermarket wheels. When time is critical and wheel protection is paramount, the Maxx 90 is the machine.

COATS Patented Tool Heads

COATS has developed several patented tool head technologies that differentiate their tire changers from competitors:

  • Robo-Arm Bead Depressor: An automated arm that presses the tire bead down during mounting and demounting, reducing the physical effort required from the technician and providing consistent bead depression for more reliable results.
  • RoboRoller: A roller mechanism that assists in guiding the tire bead over the rim edge during demounting. Particularly effective on low-profile tires with stiff sidewalls that resist conventional demounting techniques.
  • Leverless Bead Lifter: The top-tier tool head that lifts the tire bead over the rim without metal-to-metal contact. Available on the Maxx 90, this technology is essential for shops that regularly service expensive alloy and forged wheels.

CHD Series — Heavy-Duty Tire Changers

The CHD Series is designed for commercial and heavy-duty tire service. These machines handle the larger, heavier tires found on trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles. Heavy-duty tire changing requires significantly more clamping force, bead-breaking power, and physical robustness than passenger car tire service — the CHD Series delivers all three. The CHD series handles wheel assemblies up to 150 lbs at 150 PSI and is operated via an easy-to-use foot pedal.

HIT Series Tire Changers

The HIT Series targets the high-volume tire shop market with features designed to speed up the tire changing process while maintaining accuracy and tire/wheel protection. These machines are optimized for throughput — getting tires changed quickly and correctly in shops that process dozens or hundreds of tires per day.

Tilt-Back Tire Changers

COATS offers tilt-back tire changers that provide the classic, proven tire changer design preferred by many experienced technicians. The tilt-back design provides excellent visibility and access during the mounting and demounting process. For technicians who have spent their careers on tilt-back machines, COATS provides modern versions with updated features while maintaining the familiar design they know and trust.

COATS Wheel Balancers — Precision Balancing Technology

COATS wheel balancers complement their tire changers with precision balancing technology for shops that need accurate, efficient wheel balancing across a wide range of wheel and tire sizes. The balancer lineup includes models for every shop size and budget, from basic spin balancers to advanced 3D diagnostic balancers.

Direct Drive Series

The Direct Drive Series represents COATS’ premium balancer lineup. Direct-drive technology eliminates the belts and gears found in conventional balancers, providing more accurate spin-up, less vibration, and longer service life. The direct connection between motor and spindle eliminates the mechanical losses and noise associated with belt-driven systems. These machines are designed for shops that demand the highest balancing accuracy and want a machine that will deliver consistent results for years.

E900 — Next-Generation Diagnostic Balancer

The E900 represents the cutting edge of COATS wheel balancing technology. This diagnostic balancer goes beyond simple static and dynamic balance measurements to identify tire and wheel issues that affect ride quality but would not be detected by a standard balancer. For shops that want to differentiate themselves with superior ride quality diagnosis and repair, the E900 provides capabilities that most competing balancers do not offer.

COATS 1600 — 3D Wheel Balancer

  • Rim Range: 8″ to 30″
  • Interface: Touchscreen display
  • Features: Laser guidance, ProBalance Technology
  • Application: Car and light truck
  • The 1600 features ProBalance Technology and a touchscreen interface that simplifies operation while providing advanced balancing capabilities. The laser guidance system projects precise weight placement locations directly onto the wheel, eliminating guesswork and reducing the need for rebalancing. ProBalance algorithms analyze wheel and tire characteristics to optimize weight placement, often reducing the total weight needed compared to conventional balancing methods.

COATS 1500 — Wheel Balancer

  • Rim Range: 8″ to 30″
  • Display: LED
  • Features: Laser guided, automatic data entry, 8 balancing modes
  • Application: Car and light truck
  • The 1500 provides solid balancing performance with LED display, laser guidance, and 8 balancing modes in a straightforward, reliable package. The automatic data entry system reads wheel dimensions, reducing manual input errors and speeding up the balancing process. With 8 balancing modes, technicians can select the optimal approach for each wheel type — standard dynamic, static, ALU (alloy wheel modes), and specialty modes for various weight placement scenarios.

COATS 1185 — Wheel Balancer

  • Rim Diameter: Up to 30″
  • Rim Width: Up to 16″
  • Balancing Modes: 5
  • Display: LCD
  • Application: Car and light truck
  • The 1185 is COATS’ value-oriented balancer for shops that need reliable, accurate balancing without the advanced features of the 1500 and 1600 models. Five balancing modes cover the most common wheel and weight configurations, and the LCD display provides clear, easy-to-read balance information.

HD Series — Heavy-Duty Wheel Balancers

The HD Series handles the large, heavy wheels found on commercial trucks and buses. These machines are built with the capacity and durability needed for commercial tire service operations where wheel assemblies can weigh hundreds of pounds and rim sizes exceed 24 inches. The HD Series is a necessary complement to the CHD Series tire changers for any shop that services commercial vehicles.

COATS Automotive Lifts — Two-Post, Four-Post, Scissor, and More

COATS’ expansion into automotive lifts reflects their evolution from a tire equipment manufacturer to a total shop solutions provider. Their lift lineup includes two-post, four-post, scissor, low-profile, and mobile column models — all ALI Certified and built to complement the tire and wheel service equipment that COATS is known for.

10K 2N1 Two-Post Lift

The 10K 2N1 is COATS’ flagship two-post lift, designed with the same practical, reliability-focused engineering philosophy that drives their tire changers and balancers. The “2N1” designation refers to the arm system that provides access to vehicle lift points with both asymmetric and symmetric loading configurations using 3-piece offset front and rear lifting arms.

  • Capacity: 10,000 lbs
  • Overall Height: 148″ (2N1 model) / 143″ (Symmetric model) / 172″ (Extended model)
  • Raised Height: 78″
  • Lift Time: 55 seconds
  • Ceiling Height Requirement: 12′ 6″
  • Drive-Thru Width: 92″ (both 2N1 and Symmetric models)
  • Power: 230V, 60 Hz, single phase, 20 amp
  • Footprint (2N1): 135 1/2″ w x 15 3/4″ d x 148″ h
  • Footprint (Symmetric): 145 1/2″ w x 15 3/4″ d x 143″ h
  • Certification: ALI Certified

Available Configurations and Part Numbers:

  • 2N1 Standard: 4TV21NSR1 (Red) / 4TV21NSB1 (Blue)
  • 2N1 Extended: 4TV21NXR1 (Red) / 4TV21NXB1 (Blue)
  • Symmetric Standard: 4TV21SSR1 (Red) / 4TV21SSB1 (Blue)
  • Symmetric Extended: 4TV21SXR1 (Red) / 4TV21SXB1 (Blue)
  • Key Features:

    • 2N1 Arm System: 3-piece offset front and rear lifting arms provide both asymmetric and symmetric loading capability. One lift handles both configurations without any modification or adjustment.
    • Reinforced Carriage Arm Pin Holes: High-wear areas are reinforced for extended service life, reducing the maintenance cost that arm pin wear creates on lesser lifts.
    • Nickel-Plated Gear Style Arm Restraints: Corrosion-resistant plating and gear-style restraints provide reliable arm locking with long service life.
    • 3/8″ Non-Fatigue Cables: Heavy-duty equalization cables with 3.5″ pulleys for longer cable life and less maintenance compared to standard cable systems.
    • 2.5″ x 1.5″ Inner Tube Support: Internal column reinforcement reduces column flex under heavy loads, providing a more rigid and stable lifting platform.
    • Field-Adjustable Height: Can be configured for different height settings to match your specific bay, providing flexibility that reduces the need for multiple lift models.
    • EV-Compatible: Designed to handle the weight and lift point configurations of electric vehicles.
    • Single-Point Lock Release: Both columns unlock from one position.
    • ALI Certification with Safety Document Holder: Ensures correct lift points are being used — an important safety feature, especially for less experienced technicians.

12K Two-Post Lift

  • Capacity: 12,000 lbs
  • Overall Height: 158 7/8″
  • Raised Height: 77″
  • Lift Time: 75 seconds
  • Ceiling Height: 12′ 6″
  • Drive-Thru Width: 89 1/8″
  • Power: 230V, 60 Hz, single phase, 20 amp
  • Footprint: 137 1/8″ w x 20.5″ d x 158 7/8″ h
  • Certification: ALI Certified
  • The 12K steps up capacity for shops that regularly service 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks, larger SUVs, and commercial vans. The taller 158 7/8″ overall height provides additional working clearance under heavier vehicles, and the wider column spacing accommodates the broader bodies of full-size trucks and vans. For tire shops that service fleet accounts with larger vehicles, the 12K ensures adequate capacity with room to spare.

16K Two-Post Lift

  • Capacity: 16,000 lbs
  • Overall Height: 199.5″
  • Raised Height: 76″
  • Lift Time: 70 seconds
  • Ceiling Height Requirement: 17′
  • Drive-Thru Width: 108″
  • Power: 220V
  • Footprint: 152″ w x 31″ d x 199.25″ h
  • Certification: ALI Certified
  • The 16K brings serious capacity for medium-duty commercial vehicles. At 199.5″ overall height, this lift requires 17-foot ceilings — typical of commercial vehicle service facilities but too tall for most standard auto repair shops. The 108″ drive-thru width accommodates wide-body commercial vehicles including box trucks and larger delivery vans. The 70-second lift time is efficient for a lift in this capacity class.

20K Two-Post Lift

COATS offers a 20,000 lb capacity two-post lift for shops servicing heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This model extends the COATS lift line into the medium-duty commercial vehicle space, handling Class 4-5 vehicles that require lifting capacity beyond what standard automotive lifts provide.

Scissor Lifts

COATS offers several scissor lift models for alignment and general service applications:

  • 10K Dual Scissor Lift: An exclusive COATS design featuring dual scissor mechanisms that provide exceptional stability and a low profile when lowered. The dual scissor design distributes loads more evenly than single-scissor designs.
  • 14K Scissor Lift: 14,000 lb capacity scissor for alignment and general service. The higher capacity accommodates heavy trucks and SUVs on the alignment rack.
  • 16K Scissor Lift: 16,000 lb capacity for heavy-duty applications where scissor-style lifting is preferred over post-type lifts.

Four-Post Lifts

COATS four-post lifts are available in service and alignment configurations with capacities from 15,000 to 33,000 lbs:

  • 15K Four-Post: Standard automotive and light truck service with alignment capability.
  • 19K Four-Post: Increased capacity for heavier trucks and vans.
  • 30K Four-Post: Medium-duty commercial vehicle service.
  • 33K Four-Post: The largest capacity for heavy commercial applications.
  • The four-post lifts complement COATS’ alignment systems, creating an integrated alignment platform where the lift, alignment heads, and software all come from one manufacturer. This integration can simplify setup, calibration, and troubleshooting compared to mixing brands.

COATS Lift Construction Quality

All COATS lifts share common construction characteristics that reflect the company’s manufacturing expertise:

  • Heavy-gauge steel columns: Built from thick steel for structural rigidity and long service life.
  • Powder coat finish: Available in red and blue, the powder coat provides superior corrosion and chip resistance compared to wet paint.
  • Bronze bushing pulleys: Self-lubricating bronze bushings in the equalization pulleys eliminate the need for regular greasing while providing smooth, quiet operation.
  • Reinforced carriage design: Arm pin holes and critical wear points are reinforced to extend service life.
  • Safety documentation holder: Every COATS lift includes a holder for lift point documentation, helping technicians identify correct lift points for each vehicle model.
  • These construction details may seem minor individually, but collectively they represent a lift that is designed for long-term commercial service. The reinforced pin holes prevent the arm slop that develops on cheaper lifts after a few years. The bronze bushings keep the equalization system running smoothly without maintenance attention. The powder coat resists the chemical exposure common in service bay environments. Small details make big differences over a 15-20 year ownership period.

Low-Profile Lifts

COATS low-profile lifts provide a minimal-height lifting solution for quick service applications like tire rotations, brake inspections, and wheel service. These lifts sit nearly flush with the shop floor when lowered, allowing vehicles to drive on without ramps. For tire shops where quick access to wheels and brakes is the primary need, low-profile lifts minimize lift time and maximize throughput.

Mobile Column Lifts

COATS offers mobile column lifts for heavy-duty vehicle service, providing portable lifting capability for shops that service commercial trucks and buses. Mobile columns eliminate the need for a fixed heavy-duty lift bay, allowing any flat area of the shop floor to become a service location. For tire shops that service commercial fleet accounts, mobile columns provide the flexibility to handle heavy vehicles without a dedicated heavy-duty lift.

COATS Alignment Systems

COATS’ expansion into wheel alignment systems completes the wheel service trifecta: tire changing, wheel balancing, and alignment. For tire shops adding alignment services, COATS provides an integrated equipment ecosystem where the tire changer, balancer, alignment system, and lift all come from one manufacturer with one service network.

Wheel alignment is a natural extension of COATS’ tire and wheel service expertise. Proper alignment extends tire life, improves fuel economy, and enhances vehicle handling — all topics that COATS understands deeply from their decades in the tire service business. By offering alignment systems alongside their tire changers and balancers, COATS enables tire shops to provide complete wheel service from a single equipment brand.

COATS Air Compressors and Shop Infrastructure

COATS has expanded into air compressor systems as part of their total shop solutions approach. Compressed air is the lifeblood of a tire shop — it powers tire changers, impact wrenches, air ratchets, bead seating equipment, and tire inflation systems. Every piece of pneumatic equipment in a tire shop depends on a reliable, adequate air supply. A compressor that cannot keep up with demand slows everything down.

By offering air compressors alongside their tire changers, balancers, and lifts, COATS ensures that the air supply system is sized and configured correctly for the specific equipment being used. The Maxx Series tire changers, for example, require 110-175 PSI with 15 SCFM — a COATS compressor system can be specified to meet these exact requirements while also supporting other shop tools. This integration eliminates the common problem of undersized compressors that struggle to keep up with busy shop demand.

Compressor Sizing for Tire Shops

One of the most common mistakes shop owners make when outfitting a facility is underestimating compressed air requirements. A single tire changer may need 15 SCFM, but add impact wrenches, air ratchets, blow guns, and bead seating nozzles, and the total demand can easily exceed 40-50 SCFM during peak periods. A compressor that runs continuously at maximum capacity will overheat, wear out quickly, and may not deliver adequate pressure at the point of use.

COATS’ shop planning approach considers total air demand, duty cycle, piping layout, and future expansion when recommending compressor systems. This whole-shop perspective is a benefit of working with a manufacturer that understands every piece of equipment in the facility.

COATS Digital Vehicle Inspection and Shop Software

COATS has invested in digital tools that help shops increase profitability and improve customer communication. Their digital vehicle inspection (DVI) system allows technicians to document vehicle conditions with photos, video, and written notes on a tablet or mobile device. The inspection report is then shared with the customer electronically, providing transparency and building trust.

Digital inspections consistently increase repair order approval rates compared to paper-based or verbal recommendations. When a customer can see a photo of their worn brake pads or a video of their tire with a nail in the tread, they are more likely to approve the repair. For tire shops, where tire sales and service recommendations are the primary revenue drivers, DVI tools can meaningfully increase revenue per vehicle.

The integration of DVI with COATS’ physical equipment creates a workflow where every vehicle that comes through the shop is documented, inspected, and presented to the customer in a professional format. This digital infrastructure complements the physical equipment — the lift gets the vehicle in the air, the DVI system documents what the technician finds, and the customer receives a professional report that drives purchasing decisions.

Integrated Shop Ecosystem

COATS’ biggest technological advantage is not any single feature — it is the integrated ecosystem of equipment that works together. When your tire changer, wheel balancer, alignment system, and lift all come from one manufacturer, you get consistent quality, a single service relationship, and compatibility between systems. For tire shops in particular, this integration eliminates the headaches of mixing brands and dealing with multiple vendors.

Consider the complexity of running a tire shop with equipment from 4-5 different manufacturers. Each has its own service network, its own parts ordering system, its own warranty process, and its own training requirements. When something breaks, you need to identify which vendor to call, wait for their specific technician, and hope the parts are compatible with your specific model year and configuration. With COATS, one call handles everything. One service network covers all your equipment. One parts system stocks everything you need. That simplicity has real operational and financial value.

Non-Fatigue Cable and Pulley System

COATS uses 3/8″ non-fatigue equalization cables with 5″ steel pulleys and bronze bushings on their two-post lifts. This combination extends cable life significantly compared to standard cables and pulleys, reducing the most common maintenance requirement on cable-driven lifts. Bronze bushings in the pulleys provide self-lubricating operation and long service life — they do not require regular greasing and they resist the corrosion that can seize standard steel bushings over time.

Tube Column Reinforcement

COATS two-post lifts feature a 2.5″ x 1.5″ inner tube support within the column that reduces flex under load. This internal reinforcement provides additional structural rigidity without adding external bulk to the column profile. The result is a column that flexes less under heavy loads, providing a more stable and secure lifting platform. Column flex is one of the factors that can cause uneven lifting — reducing it improves lift performance and technician confidence.

Field-Adjustable Height

COATS two-post lifts are field-adjustable for different height settings, allowing the lift to be configured for the specific ceiling height and working requirements of the installation location. This adjustability, combined with extended-height column options, provides flexibility that reduces the need for multiple lift models to serve different bay configurations. A single COATS 10K model can be adjusted to work in bays with different ceiling heights, simplifying purchasing for multi-bay installations.

ProBalance Technology (Wheel Balancers)

ProBalance Technology in the COATS 1600 represents advanced balancing algorithms that go beyond simple static and dynamic balance measurements. The system analyzes wheel and tire characteristics to determine optimal weight placement, reducing the number of balance iterations needed and improving first-spin accuracy. In practical terms, ProBalance means fewer weight adjustments, less weight used, better ride quality, and faster throughput. For a busy tire shop that balances dozens of wheels per day, the accumulated time savings are significant.

Digital Shop Solutions

COATS has expanded into digital vehicle inspection and shop productivity software. These tools help shops improve profitability by providing digital inspection reports, customer communication tools, and workflow management that complement the physical equipment. Digital inspections with photos and video create transparency with customers, increase repair order approval rates, and document the condition of every vehicle that enters the shop.

The Tire Shop Specialist

If you operate a tire shop, COATS is the brand that was built for you. No other manufacturer offers the depth of tire and wheel service equipment that COATS provides. From the tire changer to the balancer to the alignment system to the lift — COATS covers every piece of equipment a tire shop needs. One brand, one service network, one relationship. That simplicity has real operational value.

This specialization matters because COATS understands the tire shop workflow in a way that lift-only or tire changer-only manufacturers do not. They design their equipment to work together in the actual flow of tire service: vehicle drives onto the lift, technician removes wheels, wheels go to the tire changer, then to the balancer, then back on the vehicle, then alignment check. COATS has optimized each piece of equipment for its role in this workflow.

American Manufacturing

COATS manufactures in Nashville, Tennessee. The fully integrated manufacturing facility handles everything from raw material processing to final assembly and testing. American manufacturing provides quality control, supply chain reliability, and domestic parts availability. When you need a part for your COATS equipment, it ships from Tennessee — not from an overseas factory with a 6-8 week lead time.

77+ Years of Reliability

COATS has been building tire service equipment since 1947. That kind of longevity in a competitive industry speaks to the quality of the products and the strength of the company. Equipment that does not perform does not survive 77 years in the market. The COATS name has earned its reputation through decades of reliable service in thousands of shops. When you see a COATS tire changer with 20 years of service still running strong, you understand what that reputation means in practical terms.

National Service Network

COATS maintains a national service network that provides support and repair services across the country. For shops that depend on their equipment being operational every day, this service infrastructure provides essential backup. When equipment goes down, COATS’ service network responds to minimize downtime. The technicians in this network are specifically trained on COATS equipment — they are not generalists guessing at how your machine works.

Compared to Other Brands

In the tire changer and wheel balancer space, COATS competes with Hunter Engineering, Snap-on (John Bean), and others. COATS’ advantage is their focus on this specific market segment, their American manufacturing, and their integrated equipment ecosystem. Hunter is a formidable competitor with strong technology, but COATS’ integrated shop approach and Nashville manufacturing differentiate them. COATS’ patented tool heads — the Robo-Arm, RoboRoller, and leverless bead lifter — represent genuine innovations that many competitors have not matched.

In the lift space, COATS is a newer entrant competing with established brands like Atlas, Rotary, Challenger, and Forward Lift. COATS lifts are competitively specified and ALI certified. The primary reason to choose COATS lifts is if you are already buying COATS tire and wheel equipment — having one brand across your entire shop simplifies service, parts, and vendor management significantly.

Against Atlas in the lift space, COATS offers American manufacturing and the integrated shop ecosystem. Atlas offers more lift models and generally lower price points. If you are building a tire shop and want one brand for everything, COATS is the clear winner. If you are only buying a lift, Atlas may offer more options at competitive prices.

Against Rotary and Forward Lift, COATS lifts compete on specification and ALI certification. Rotary and Forward offer direct-pull hydraulic technology and the Dover/VSG manufacturing pedigree. COATS lifts use cable-driven systems but compensate with their non-fatigue cable technology and tube column reinforcement. The choice often comes down to whether you value the integrated COATS ecosystem or the lift-specific technology advantages of Rotary/Forward.

Total Cost of Ownership

When evaluating COATS equipment, consider the total cost of ownership across your entire shop, not just individual equipment prices. A COATS-equipped shop benefits from:

  • Single service contract: One service network maintains all your equipment, reducing vendor management overhead.
  • Reduced downtime: When one COATS service technician can maintain your tire changer, balancer, and lift in a single visit, you spend less time waiting for different vendors.
  • Training efficiency: Technicians familiar with COATS equipment on one machine adapt more quickly to other COATS machines — the interfaces, controls, and design philosophy are consistent.
  • Parts consolidation: One parts ordering system, one account, one shipping relationship.
  • Package pricing: Multi-equipment purchases from a single manufacturer often qualify for better pricing than piecemeal purchases from different brands.

1. COATS Maxx 90 Tire Changer

The flagship tire changer with leverless bead lifter, Robo-Arm, RoboRoller, dual nozzle, 2-speed 220V motor, and 30″ rim capability. This is the machine for high-volume shops that service everything from economy cars to lifted trucks with expensive aftermarket wheels.

Key Specs: 6″-30″ rim range, 50″ max tire diameter, leverless bead lifter, 220V 2-speed, dual bead loosener controls, 74″ x 44″ x 88″ footprint

Best for: High-volume tire shops, shops servicing expensive alloy wheels, performance shops, any operation that needs the fastest and most wheel-safe tire changing available.

2. COATS 10K 2N1 Two-Post Lift

The flagship lift model delivers 10,000 lbs of ALI-certified capacity with the 2N1 arm system for both asymmetric and symmetric lifting. The non-fatigue cable system and tube column reinforcement provide durability that matches the lift to COATS’ reputation for equipment longevity.

Key Specs: 10,000 lbs, 78″ raised height, 55-second lift time, 92″ drive-thru, 230V/20A, ALI Certified, EV-compatible

Best for: Tire shops, general service shops, any operation that wants COATS lift and wheel service equipment from a single manufacturer.

3. COATS 1600 3D Wheel Balancer

ProBalance Technology, touchscreen interface, laser guidance, and 8″-30″ rim range make this COATS’ premium wheel balancer for car and light truck service. The laser guidance system projects exact weight placement locations onto the wheel surface, reducing errors and rebalancing rates.

Best for: High-volume tire shops, dealerships, any shop that needs accurate, efficient wheel balancing with maximum technician productivity.

4. COATS 12K Two-Post Lift

Stepping up to 12,000 lbs for shops that service heavier vehicles. The taller 158 7/8″ overall height provides additional working clearance under heavier trucks and SUVs.

Key Specs: 12,000 lbs, 77″ raised height, 75-second lift time, ALI Certified

Best for: Shops servicing trucks and SUVs, fleet tire service operations, commercial accounts.

5. COATS 16K Two-Post Lift

At 16,000 lbs, this lift handles medium-duty commercial vehicles. The 199.5″ overall height provides the clearance needed for taller commercial vehicles, though it requires a 17-foot ceiling.

Key Specs: 16,000 lbs, 76″ raised height, 70-second lift time, 108″ drive-thru, ALI Certified

Best for: Commercial tire shops, fleet maintenance, operations servicing medium-duty trucks and delivery vehicles.

COATS for Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The transition to electric vehicles creates both challenges and opportunities for tire shops. EVs are typically heavier than equivalent ICE vehicles due to battery weight, which means tires wear faster and unevenly if alignment is not maintained. EVs also generate instant torque, which accelerates tire wear further. This combination means EV owners will need tire service more frequently, not less — making the tire shop even more relevant in an electric future.

COATS equipment is positioned well for EV service:

  • Lifts: COATS two-post lifts are EV-compatible with adequate capacity for heavy electric vehicles. The 10K handles most passenger EVs, the 12K covers heavier models like the Rivian R1T and larger Tesla models, and the 16K and 20K handle electric delivery vans and commercial EVs.
  • Tire Changers: EV tires tend to be heavier and have stiffer sidewalls due to the extra weight they carry. The Maxx Series machines with their 220V 2HP motors and leverless technology are designed to handle these demanding tire/wheel combinations.
  • Balancers: EV owners are particularly sensitive to vibration because electric drivetrains are inherently quieter than ICE vehicles — any tire imbalance is more noticeable. COATS’ ProBalance technology and the E900 diagnostic balancer provide the precision needed to meet EV owners’ expectations.
  • Alignment: Proper alignment is even more critical on EVs because heavy batteries amplify the tire wear effects of misalignment. COATS alignment systems help shops address this growing need.
  • For tire shops, the EV transition represents a growth opportunity, not a threat. COATS equipment is ready to help you capture that opportunity.

COATS Training and Technical Support

COATS provides training resources for technicians using their equipment. This includes on-machine training during installation, online training materials, and technical support through their service network. Proper training is essential for maximizing equipment performance and longevity — a tire changer that is used incorrectly will damage wheels, break tools, and create unhappy customers.

COATS’ approach to training reflects their total shop philosophy. They do not just sell you a machine and walk away — they ensure your team knows how to use it correctly and efficiently. For shops outfitting multiple bays with COATS equipment, coordinated training ensures consistent technique across all technicians.

Building a Complete COATS Shop

The strongest case for COATS equipment is when you are outfitting a complete tire shop or wheel service operation. By sourcing your tire changer, wheel balancer, alignment system, and lift from COATS, you get:

  • One vendor relationship to manage
  • One service network for all equipment
  • Consistent quality standards across all equipment
  • Potential package pricing advantages
  • Simplified parts ordering and inventory
  • One training program for your technicians
  • One warranty process for all equipment

Tire Changer Selection

Choose your COATS tire changer based on your wheel service demands:

  • Maxx 70: Shops doing standard car and light truck tires that want premium COATS build quality at the most accessible Maxx price.
  • Maxx 80: Shops that want the flexibility of hand and foot bead loosener controls plus the RoboRoller for tough tires.
  • Maxx 90: High-volume shops, shops servicing expensive alloy wheels, any operation where leverless technology and maximum speed are needed.
  • CHD Series: Commercial tire service operations handling truck and bus tires.

Wheel Balancer Selection

Match your balancer to your throughput and accuracy needs:

  • 1185: Budget-conscious shops that need reliable basic balancing — 5 modes, LCD display, handles rims up to 30″.
  • 1500: Mid-range shops wanting laser guidance, automatic data entry, and 8 balancing modes.
  • 1600: Premium shops demanding ProBalance Technology, touchscreen operation, and the highest accuracy.
  • E900: Diagnostic-level balancing for shops that want to identify ride quality issues beyond simple imbalance.
  • HD Series: Commercial shops balancing heavy truck and bus wheels.

Lift Selection

For tire shops, the 10K 2N1 handles 90%+ of the passenger vehicles and light trucks you will encounter. The 12K model is the right step up if you regularly service 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks. The 16K and 20K models serve commercial tire shops that handle medium-duty vehicles. Scissor lifts are ideal for alignment bays, and four-post lifts provide alignment and general service flexibility at higher capacities.

Installation Requirements

The 10K 2N1 requires a minimum 12′ 6″ ceiling, 230V single-phase 20-amp power, and adequate concrete for anchoring (minimum 4″ at 3,000 PSI). The 16K model requires 17-foot ceilings. Check your facility specs before ordering — ceiling height is the most common gotcha in lift purchasing. Measure the actual clearance from floor to lowest overhead obstruction, not the building’s listed ceiling height.

For tire changers, plan the floor layout carefully. A tire changer needs adequate space around it for the technician to work, for tire storage during the process, and for rolling wheels to and from the balancer. The Maxx Series footprint is 74″ x 44″ x 88″, but the working envelope around the machine should be at least 8′ x 8′ for comfortable, efficient operation.

Power and Compressed Air Requirements

All Maxx Series tire changers require 220V electric power (2 HP motor) and compressed air supply at 110-175 PSI with 15 SCFM capacity. Wheel balancers require standard 110V or 220V power depending on the model. Lifts require 230V, 20-amp dedicated circuits.

When planning a complete COATS shop, total up the electrical requirements for all equipment and ensure your electrical service panel has adequate capacity. A typical COATS tire shop bay might need: one 230V/20A circuit for the lift, one 220V circuit for the tire changer, one 110V or 220V circuit for the balancer, plus additional circuits for lighting, air compressor, and miscellaneous tools. Work with a licensed electrician to plan your electrical infrastructure before equipment arrives.

For compressed air, calculate total SCFM demand across all pneumatic equipment running simultaneously during peak periods. A single tire changer needs 15 SCFM, but if you add impact wrenches (5-8 SCFM each), blow guns (3-5 SCFM), and other tools, total demand adds up quickly. Size your compressor for at least 1.5x your calculated peak demand to allow for duty cycle and future expansion.

New Shop vs. Upgrade Considerations

If you are building a new tire shop from scratch, COATS can provide a complete equipment package — lifts, tire changers, balancers, alignment system, air compressor, and digital tools — all from one manufacturer. This simplifies procurement, ensures compatibility, and often provides better overall pricing than piecemeal purchasing.

If you are upgrading existing equipment, COATS can be added to an existing shop one piece at a time. Start with the tire changer or balancer if your current units are aging, add a COATS lift when the current one needs replacement, and build toward a complete COATS ecosystem over time. There is no requirement to buy everything at once — the equipment works standalone as well as it works together.

Get COATS Equipment at TruckAndCarLifts.com

At TruckAndCarLifts.com, we are an experienced COATS equipment reseller. We understand the tire and wheel service market and can help you select the right combination of COATS lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers, and alignment equipment for your operation.

COATS brings nearly 80 years of tire service expertise to every piece of equipment they build. The company that invented the semi-automatic tire changer now offers a complete equipment ecosystem for professional shops — all manufactured in Nashville, Tennessee, and backed by the industry’s best national service network. Whether you are setting up a new tire shop, upgrading existing equipment, or expanding into alignment services, COATS provides everything you need from a single source.

We regularly help shop owners plan complete COATS installations, from single-bay tire shops to multi-bay service centers. We can advise on equipment selection, bay layout, power requirements, compressed air sizing, and the overall configuration that maximizes your investment. Our experience with COATS equipment means we understand how each piece fits into the workflow and can help you avoid common planning mistakes that waste money and floor space.

Financing options are available for shops making major equipment investments. Whether you are outfitting a single bay or building a complete facility, we can work with you to structure a purchase that fits your budget and timeline. Many shops phase their COATS investment over time — starting with the tire changer and balancer, then adding the lift, then alignment system — building toward a complete COATS ecosystem at a pace that matches their revenue growth.

Ready to build your COATS shop? Browse our online store or contact us directly for pricing on any COATS product.

Call us today to discuss your COATS equipment needs. Our team provides honest, experienced guidance on tire changers, wheel balancers, lifts, alignment systems, and complete shop packages.

Also explore our other top brands: Atlas Automotive Equipment | Rotary Lift | Challenger Lifts | Forward Lift | MAHLE Service Solutions | Norco Professional Lifting

Ready to Equip Your Shop with COATS?

The industry standard in tire and wheel service equipment.

📞 866-217-0063

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