Idea of the Month: Homebuilt Tire Bead Breaker

Robert Gordon of Wellington, Ohio, had a small tire machine but wanted something that could handle multiple-sized tires and was easier to operate. 

Gordon built a bead breaker using 8-inch “H” beams for the main horizontal support frame and the adjustable vertical back support. He used a 4-inch hydraulic ram with a 16-inch stroke and supported it with two ¼ x 4-inch channel irons and a 

½ x 8-inch back plate. For power, he tied into a tractor hydraulic pump that had been turned into an electric-powered pump. 

He manufactured the breaker bar attachment at the end of the hydraulic ram, which swivels vertically and horizontally. 

“I love that we can work on just about any-sized tire,” Gordon said.

Gordon farms in north-central Ohio with one of his brothers and a nephew. They farm about 1,000 acres, producing corn, soybeans, and rye for cover crop seed.

Gordon loves antique farm equipment, ranging from horse-drawn to steam- and gas-powered equipment. He belongs to a local steam engine club, which has about 200 members. He loves to compete in hand corn husking competitions. Email: [email protected]