Abstract: A machine for installing a giant tire on a one-piece rim includes a force unit, a guide cone having large and small ends, the former of which connects with the rim, and a clamping unit for holding the guide cone with the rim attached to its large end in a firm position against the force unit. The force unit has an upright frame and maneuvering cylinders positioned on the frame so as to be located generally around the small end of the cone when the cone is against the force unit. The small end of the cone is small enough to fit into the center of the tire, while the large end is about the same diameter as the outside diameter of the flanges on the rim so that the large end forms a gentle approach over the rim flange against which it is positioned. A portion of the guide cone behind the large end is cut away to form a relief which opens downwardly. The tire to be installed on the rim is first placed over the small end of the cone and the small end is clamped against the force unit.

Abstract: A machine for breaking the beads on the sidewalls of a giant tire away from the tapered bead seats on a multipiece rim, includes upright backing members against which the giant tire and its rim are positioned and a press-head which is forced against that sidewall of giant tire which is positioned away from the backing members. The force exerted on the press head is derived from a hydraulic cylinder and is transferred to the press head through the center of the rim. The cylinder is detachable from the press head so that a tire can be positioned between the backing members and the press head. The press head rotates and has shoes which bear against the tire sidewall and are movable in the radial direction to accommodate tires of different size. Restraining means are provided for preventing the bead seat ring of the rim from moving toward the backing members under the applied force.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking down giant tires in the field attaches to the boom of a tire service truck and includes a U-shaped frame, the spacing between the legs of which is greater than the width of the giant tire. Those legs carry hydraulic cylinders on which opposed pressing shoes are mounted. The boom of the tire truck manuevers the apparatus into a working position in which the shoes are located opposite the two sidewalls of the giant tire, whereupon the cylinders are energized. The force exerted by the shoes breaks the sealing beads on the sidewalls away from the tapered bead seats on the rim which is within the giant tire. The rim need not be removed from the vehicle with which it it utilized in order to change the giant tire.