Companion Hdtc May 2026

For changing standard 14"–17" steel rims and heavy truck/tractor tires, it is a beast for $70. For trying to mount a 20" low-profile run-flat onto an Audi, it is a recipe for bloody knuckles and a bent rim.

This is where cheap changers fail, but the Companion HDTC excels. The foot-operated bead breaker has a long handle that provides significant mechanical advantage. Breaking beads on P265 tires (SUVs) requires some effort, but it’s manageable. For tractor or skid-steer tires, it’s genuinely impressive. companion hdtc

The unit comes with a heavy-gauge steel base plate and a solid central post. When bolted to a concrete floor (or a thick piece of plywood for portable use), it feels remarkably rigid. The bead breaker arm is cast iron and, so far, has handled rusted-on pickup truck tires without bending. For changing standard 14"–17" steel rims and heavy

This is non-negotiable. If you try to use this on a clean garage floor without bolting it to a plate or the concrete, the entire unit will tip over the second you apply leverage. You need a dedicated 2'x2' piece of 3/4" plywood or lag bolts into the floor. The foot-operated bead breaker has a long handle

Buy it. But also buy a set of tire spoons, rim protectors, and a bottle of Ru-Glyde lubricant. With those additions, the Companion HDTC will serve you for a decade. Without them, it’s a frustrating paperweight.