Quantcast
Jump to content


Anyone own the Hunter Road Force Balancer?

Joe Marconi
 Share

Recommended Posts

GobblesAuto Contributor

GobblesAuto

Posted
Posted

I am looking to purchase the Hunter Road Force Balancer and wondering if anyone has one and would like feedback on it. Any help will be appreciated.

 

I have one. I like it but don't sell many road force balance jobs. Comes in handy when hunting a problem.

Can be used to build value in your tire sales but it is hard to get customers to pay more because of the road force balance. A good balancer is probably sufficient for most jobs. I feel like it does a great job but won't bring in tons of money. Could be our lack of sales ability also. My opinion is if you want to own the best buy it, if you are expecting to increase revenue dramatically becasue you have it don't expect that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 years later...
ATLAuto Rising Star

ATLAuto

Posted
Posted

I've used the machine many times ... it adds roughly ten minutes to the tire job due to the increased amount of time waiting for the road force arm to swing down. The machine also costs 2-3x more than a traditional balancer.

 

The industry is divided on these. From what I have gathered, Discount Tires does not believe in them and no longer keeps them in their stores. Kauffman Tire, however, will not build a store without a Road Force in it.

 

Anyone have more input here? We will be buying one or the other shortly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AutoFantic Rookie

AutoFantic

Posted
Posted

One situation, I bought a used Hunter GSP9700 Roadforce balancer and used it on a 21" Rim setup running low profile tires. The wheel was a stock setup from the factory (Mounted and balanced from factory). When driving at freeway speeds (approx 65-75) there will be periodic vibrations with the vehicle. I thought it may be the road. I drove on different lanes and different freeways (asphalt and concrete). Threw the tire on the balancer, no problems... The wheel was balanced. I enabled the roadforce on the machine, and it complained that the Roadforce variations were high for one of the wheels (approx 26 lbs). After match mounting the tire to the wheel, it reduced it down to 12 lbs. I match mounted the remaining wheels and and re-balanced. I test drove the vehicle again. The vibrations were gone. I personally believe it makes it difference, but more prevalent with larger rims with lower profile tires. Trucks/SUV have more tolerance than sedans than sport cars. If possible, I try to reduce the roadforce variation to under 15 lbs. The machine has a maximum setting of 26 lbs, but I think it is more for sedans. Trucks/Suv are higher.

 

Just my .02.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
mmotley Proficient

mmotley

Posted
Posted

The dealership I worked at (just a few months ago), all they had were Hunter road-force balancers. Everyone who worked there pretty much used the road-force feature on every balance... Especially when putting on new tires. It really doesn't add that much time to a balance either. I'm gonna guess it adds about 15 seconds per tire to measure road-force.

 

Like AutoFanatic experienced, I have seen cars with vibration issues at highway speeds and the tires would balance just fine. Checking the road-force however would show you they all needed to be adjusted.........One important caveat to this, however. When checking road-force on new tires, sometimes you can get a false reading. I remember certain Michelin tires would show 90+ lbs of road-force but wouldn't experience any type of vibration during driving. Chuck em back up after driving on them for maybe 2 miles and the road-force readings would come back down to normal... Was it just flat-spotting or something similar, I dunno? Just FYI.

 

Anyway, more times than not, it was helpful and kept us from getting chewed out for vibration issues with brand new tires. Or helped quickly identify the source of a vibration that you otherwise wouldn't be able to find... If nothing else, it keeps you from sending customers to the 'other shop' to get it fixed

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
nmikmik Enthusiast

nmikmik

Posted
Posted (edited)

I have never used one myself, but here is a pretty extensive review from the actual user/customer.

http://www.355nation.net/forum/reviews/16385-review-hunter-gsp9700-road-force-wheel-balancing.html

The problem for me is the cost, from what i have seen, around $10k more (new) than a regular Hunter balancer :(

You'd have to put lots of tires through it at reasonably inflated price per balance, to make it worth the money imo.

Now I understand why AutoFantic considers this to be a good deal:

 

"If you are willing to pay for shipping, this is a good deal on this unit.

 

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tld/4075179435.html

 

I have seen several of his products that he refurbishes... He also has a 30 day warranty."

Edited by nmikmik
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jmazur Apprentice

Jmazur

Posted
Posted

In keeping withe the general tone of this post, I have used a Hunter RF balancer and think it does a great job, especially for vibration issues. When i worked at the dealer, it was great for condemning brand new tires that were causing a vibration. I do own one in one of my shops now, and most of the time it is used as a regular balancer. The only time the road force is used is if diagnosing a vibration issue, or when mounting tires on one of my vehicles :rolleyes: . They are a good tool to have, but you wont generate huge $$ from one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 3 months later...
Spence Enthusiast

Spence

Posted
Posted

We have owned road force balancers for 10+ years now. Wouldn't think of mounting a tire/wheel combo without it. The oppertunities to find and correct issues is many. One of the best ROI of any piece of equipment I have seen.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
ATLAuto Rising Star

ATLAuto

Posted
Posted

For me this is a nice to have can't afford item.

 

I don't know how yall feel about used equipment, but I've seen quite a few of these 2001-2006 Road Force balancers reconditioned with new spindles and screens on Craigslist for $4000 - $6500 with warranty. Still pretty expensive, but it beats paying $14k for one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Spence Enthusiast

Spence

Posted
Posted

 

I don't know how yall feel about used equipment, but I've seen quite a few of these 2001-2006 Road Force balancers reconditioned with new spindles and screens on Craigslist for $4000 - $6500 with warranty. Still pretty expensive, but it beats paying $14k for one.

 

There are at least 4 or 5 generations of Road Force Balancers. The range of years you post are of the 1st and 2nd generation. Though better then other brands new balancers in my opinion. The 1st gen I would pass over. The 2nd and 3rd could serve you good. With lateral force then you would be in pretty good position

 

As far as the cost goes I'm not sure you are considering this expense properly. There are profitable and non profitable expenses. I put this one into the profitable category.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ATLAuto Rising Star

ATLAuto

Posted
Posted

 

There are at least 4 or 5 generations of Road Force Balancers. The range of years you post are of the 1st and 2nd generation. Though better then other brands new balancers in my opinion. The 1st gen I would pass over. The 2nd and 3rd could serve you good. With lateral force then you would be in pretty good position

 

Spence, could you elaborate on this a bit more? What are the differences between the various generations?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Spence Enthusiast

Spence

Posted
Posted

 

Spence, could you elaborate on this a bit more? What are the differences between the various generations?

 

Sure Wes,

 

The 1st generation had a small roller then the later versions. I believe it was 4 or 5 inches in diameter. Don't hold me to that but what I can do is measure the diameter of mine tomorrow and let you know. The later versions were almost twice the diameter. The lateral force was an option. It can not be added to an existing model even of the same generation. Well worth the extra money to have that option.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 4 weeks later...
oktire Apprentice

oktire

Posted
Posted

The other part you are missing is the smart weight feature. I keep track of the weight use on both the hunter and coats machine we have the road force does save you money in wheel weights. I love mine and don't we don't give the customer options they get road forced if I have to take the time to do it again its a loss of revenue. just my two cents. we don't have a problem with spending that kind of of money on a toolbox or scanner why not a balancer?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 7 months later...
mspecperformance Mentor

mspecperformance

Posted
Posted

Bringing this back to life... I believe my next purchase is going to a RF Balancer. I currently have all Bosch equipment and I am a Bosch Service Center. Long story short I have had about enough with Bosch equipment! Currently my balancer is down due to faulty calibration. Also our alignment machine seems to be acting up. Ever since I've gotten my Bosch equipment we have had issues. I have never been fully confident with them and my lack of alignment and tire sales show it. Hell even my top of the line Bosch tire machine let's me down more often then not! Btw we have to try to service all our own equipment because there is no Bosch tech local to us. Very upsetting considering I have a lot of $$$ tied up in this stuff however I had a alignment customer just today that we attempted 4 alignments on 3 different days. Tons of labor hours wasted along with looking terrible in front of the customer. Also had a thumping vibration issue with a customers car we ended up tearing his whole suspension apart come to find out it was a faulty tire. Ugh!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mmotley Proficient

mmotley

Posted
Posted (edited)

I don't have much experience with other brands of balancers, but I know when I was using a hunter RF balancer, we fixed a lot of vibration issues that other shops couldn't fix. I'm saving up for one right now. New is expensive, used are hard to find.

 

Had a previous shop owner stop by my place just yesterday and he pretty much told me not to buy anything but a RF balancer. He worked at a huge local tire shop...

Edited by mmotley
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 3 months later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      Want to End Your Technician Shortage? Focus on Retention!
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         5 comments
      I recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
      Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
      Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
      Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
      Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”

  • Similar Topics

    • carmcapriotto
      Road to NAPA Auto Care Gold Certified: From Technician to Owner of 6 Locations [RR 946]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Brad Updegraff's transition from a general service technician to a visionary business owner of 6 NAPA Gold Certified locations is a story of dedication and strategic planning. Discover the milestones and the speed bumps he encountered along the way. Brad Updegraff, Dave's Ultimate Automotive, 6 locations, Austin, TX. Show Notes
      Learn more about NAPA Auto Care Gold Certified and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Transition to the automotive field (00:01:55) Brad's transition from managing a pizza delivery company to becoming a general service technician in a small gas station repair shop. Seizing the opportunity (00:05:06) The unexpected opportunity that led Brad to become a partner in 2012 and the risks and steps involved in his journey. Building a successful partnership (00:06:15) The partnership with a former homebuilding executive and the successful merging of their expertise for store growth and development. Learning the business side (00:07:25) Brad's learning curve in understanding the business side, seeking help, and investing in personal and business development. Challenges in growth and expansion (00:10:52) The challenges in advertising, customer base, and geographical analysis that impacted the decision to halt further expansion. Recruitment and training strategies (00:12:29) Brad's recruitment strategies, including internal referrals and partnerships with local vocational schools for technician training. Promoting the industry to youth (00:14:32) The need for industry professionals to promote the technical nature of the automotive industry to young people and engage with vocational schools. Advisory Board Representation (00:17:10) Importance of representation on advisory boards for independent dealers and community colleges. Community Involvement and Giving Back (00:18:13) Support for charitable foundations, including Make-A-Wish and suicide prevention organizations. NAPA Gold Certification (00:21:28) Benefits and significance of achieving NAPA Gold certification for automotive businesses. Engagement in Training (00:23:18) Strategies for encouraging staff to participate in training and the value of owner involvement. Perpetual Learning and Magic Makers (00:27:16) The importance of perpetual learning, the concept of "magic makers," and the impact on the organization. Employee Retention and Team Building (00:29:55) Strategies for retaining employees, team building, and celebrating milestones within the organization. Work-Life Balance and Store Visits (00:32:02) Balancing work and personal life, commitment to family, and the importance of store visits for management. Intuition and Common Sense (00:33:14) The importance of intuition and common sense in business decisions and management. Succession Planning (00:34:12) Discussing internal succession planning and opportunities for employees to grow within the company. Industry Challenges and Opportunities (00:34:53) Cyclical nature of the industry, market correction, and fighting for market share. Market Trends and Customer Conversion (00:36:12) Impact of market trends, potential for customer conversion, and the impact of economic factors. Financing Repair (00:38:00) The increasing use of financing options for vehicle repairs and its impact on the industry. Work-Life Balance and Reflection (00:38:54) The importance of work-life balance and reflecting on career choices and experiences. Overcoming Struggles and Mistakes (00:40:49) The journey to success, overcoming struggles, and learning from mistakes.
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections    
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      A Better Road to Success: Navigating Your SMS and Customer Rapport [RR 945]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network By leveraging tools like digital vehicle inspections (DVI) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, businesses can significantly improve their operations and customer experience. These integrations allow for a more streamlined process, from diagnosing vehicle issues to maintaining consistent communication with clients. Ben Dexter, National Training Manager, NAPA TRACS Show Notes
      Ben's journey in the automotive industry (00:00:55) Ben's progression from service writer to National Training Manager and his experience in the automotive industry. Importance of shop management systems (00:02:04) The critical role of shop management systems in the automotive repair industry and the support provided by NAPA TRACS. Value of training (00:03:21) The significance of investing in training and the impact of leadership participation in training programs. Building customer rapport (00:11:22) Ben's approach to building customer rapport and the importance of effective communication and attention to customer needs. Significance of scheduling (00:13:12) The shift from reactive scheduling to a coordinated approach, addressing the issues of timely and accurate repairs through effective scheduling. The power of software integrations (00:15:37) The commitment to utilizing shop management software and the potential of integrations with other tools like DVI and CRM for business growth. Utilizing shop management systems (00:19:08) Encouraging the use of shop management systems and the availability of resources for business advancement. Role of technology in DVI (00:20:42) Discussion on the coordinated effort required for effective Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) and the benefits of real-time communication. Challenges in utilizing software (00:22:32) Exploring the reasons behind the underutilization of software tools and the need for effective leadership and training. Importance of testing and measuring (00:25:13) Highlighting the significance of testing and measuring business performance for improvement and growth. Communication and customer service (00:28:27) Emphasizing the importance of effective communication with customers to prevent unexpected breakdowns and enhance customer satisfaction. Impact of scheduling on service advisors (00:30:07) Discussing the influence of scheduling on service advisors' decision-making and the need for consistent customer recommendations. Rethinking business analysis (00:32:47) Encouraging a reevaluation of business statistics and reports to identify missed opportunities and improve overall business strategies. Morning Meetings and Reporting (00:33:21) Discussion on the importance of morning meetings, sales reporting by service writer, and constructive performance discussions. Maximizing Existing Resources (00:34:55) Emphasizing the significance of making the most of existing resources before seeking more car count. Linear Quantity Opportunities (00:36:32) Exploration of the linear quantity opportunities in parts matrix, addressing traditional matrix problems and opportunities for improvement. Commitment to Lifelong Learning (00:38:54) Highlighting the importance of lifelong learning for success in shop management and overall strategy. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections            
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Joe Marconi
      Business Has Slowed Down? Or Back to the Way it Was?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Joe Marconi
      Would You Shut Down And Bring Your Entire Staff to Training?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Help Me Fix My Procrastination: Get Your Auto Repair Shop Book Done![E152] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching introduces his upcoming book designed to help auto repair shop owners enhance their businesses. The book, tentatively titled "The Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching Owner's Guide to Everything You Didn't Know About Running a Successful Auto Repair Shop," covers topics like goal setting, financial management, staffing, and adapting to future technologies. Cotton invites shop owners to contribute suggestions and request a free copy. The episode, sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, aims to motivate the bottom 50% of shop owners to grow and succeed in their industry.
      Chapter 1: What Do You Want as a Shop Owner? (00:02:13) Discusses the different goals and aspirations of shop owners and the importance of defining personal success.
      Chapter 2: Define Your Goals (00:03:08) Highlights the process of setting smart goals, understanding business variables, and keeping an eye on market trends.
      Chapter 3: Barriers to Coaching (00:04:13) Explores the common barriers that prevent shop owners from seeking coaching and offers solutions.
      Chapter 4: Essentials of Being a Successful Auto Repair Shop (00:05:20) Covers the foundational aspects of running a successful auto repair shop, including meeting customer needs and financial stability.
      Chapter 5: The Importance of a Good Chart of Accounts (00:06:18) Emphasizes the significance of a well-maintained chart of accounts for financial management and streamlining.
      Chapter 6: The Vital Role of the Income Statement (00:07:26) Focuses on the income statement and its importance in financial review and standardization.
      Chapter 7: Determining the Right Car Count for Success (00:08:30) Addresses the misconception of needing more cars for sales goals and the importance of optimizing existing processes.
      Chapter 8: The Heartbeat of Auto Repair Businesses (00:09:33) Explores profit centers, margins, and the road to financial health in auto repair businesses.
      Chapter 9: Guest Chapter on Car Count and Marketing (00:10:38) Features insights from a guest expert on car count, marketing, and branding for auto repair shops.
      Chapter 10: Profit Margins and Parts Matrix (00:11:43) Delves into profit margins, parts matrixes, and strategies for maximizing profits in auto repair.
      Chapter 11: Cash Flow (00:12:32) Discusses the unique challenges of cash flow management in auto repair businesses and offers solutions for improving profitability.
       
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 450 views
    nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    0 comments 572 views
    nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 330 views

  • Our Sponsors

Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...