Rotary adds wheel balancers to line up

MADISON, Ind. — Vehicle Service Group (VSG) has added a range of wheel balancers to its still burgeoning portfolio of Rotary-brand wheel service equipment.

The new line ranges from a value-priced manual model to a 3D electronic wheel balancer with microprocessor.

"Rotary has a wheel balancer to suit every customer's budget and volume of business," says Rob Dabrowski, vice president of wheel service equipment for VSG.

"Our wheel balancers offer the technology, productivity and safety features shops need, in rugged equipment that's built to last."

VSG launched the Rotary-branded wheel service equipment — including tire changers, wheel balancers and alignment equipment — in January. Prior to that, Rotary was known primarily for its lines of vehicle lifts.

The wheel balancer line comprises models capable of handling motorcycle, car, light truck, van, SUV and other vehicle wheels, including:

• R180 Pro 3D Auto Wheel Balancer — features include automatic wheel dimension sonar and a laser rim profile scanner, which automatically detects the wheel dimension, scans the rim profile and selects the appropriate balancing program with no data input from the technician. For wheels up to 176 pounds in a rim diameter range of 10 to 30 inches.

• R155 Pro 3D Wheel Balancer — features include interactive inputs that guide the operator during the full balancing process; automatic storage of distance and diameter and an internal data arm that provides quick selection and rim run-out measurement; automatic start, with automatic stop of the wheel in the external unbalanced position. For wheels up to 154 pounds in a rim diameter range of 10 to 30 inches.

• R138 Shop 2D Wheel Balancer — An entry-level computerized balancer with a small footprint and low rotational speed. Features include automatic start and measurement of distance and diameter; hidden weight program and large digital display; heavy-duty shaft and large offset for deep rims. For wheels up to 143 pounds in rim diameters ranging from 10 to 26 inches.

• R122 Hand Spin Wheel Balancer — A "budget-minded" balancer that offers many of the same performance characteristics of higher-priced machines. Features include: precision balancing at low rotational speeds using a hand crank or by manually spinning the wheel; pedal brake to stop rotation for positioning weights. For wheels up to 143 pounds in rim diameters ranging from 10 to 26 inches.

VSG is manufacturing the new equipment line in Italy at the facilities of its Ravaglioli S.p.A. subsidiary, which it acquired last year.