Pre-set or manual? Which Tyre Inflator is best for me?

Why is tyre inflation important?

First and foremost, air carries the majority of the load. The ‘contact patch’ of an inflated tyre is critical to maximise vehicle stability & ultimately road safety. It is well documented by vehicle and tyre manufacturers that tyre inflation affects braking performance, tyre wear and fuel efficiencies. Yet a shocking 35% of tyres are being driven at least 8psi/0.5bar below the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

How does using high quality tyre inflation equipment affect safety and performance?

Should I choose a pre-set or manual inflator?

There are two core types of inflator:

• Pre-set - where the operator sets the pressure on the unit then the inflator recognises when the set level is reached.
• Manual - where the operator determines both the required pressure and when the final pressure is reached.

Pre-set Inflators

Pre-set models are electronic in design, offering high levels of repeatable accuracy and a reduced risk of user error, and can be used in conjunction with cages. The pre-set function enables the operator to carry out other tasks during the inflation process, thereby increasing efficiency, uptime, and safety, whilst reducing the effort and fatigue associated with inflating large, high-pressure tyres from flat.

PCL's range of pre-set tyre inflators are available as ‘fixed’ or ‘mobile’ inflators. Fixed inflators can be mounted to a wall, fixed to the ground, or retrofitted into existing equipment, while our range of battery-operated mobile inflators are on castors and can be move around the workplace allowing flexible working.

Manual Inflators

Non-pre-set/manual are generally handheld and include three key types of unit: Linear, dial and digital.

Handheld inflators are a cost-effective option where flexibility is required, for example when working in various locations in a workshop or outside, as they do not require mains power.

PCL do offer fixed manual inflators; the WM1 Mechanical Unit is the suitable for tough environments such as garage forecourts and workshops.

It may be that a combination of pre-set and non-pre-set inflators is the best choice to cost-effectively meet the varying demands of a workshop.

What type of fixed inflator do I need?

PCL’s comprehensive ACCURA portfolio includes the widest choice of fixed products available on the market, offering a solution for an extensive range of markets - from aviation, truck and car tyres to vessels such as footballs.

Should I opt for “better” or “best”?

• PCL’s “better” range of fixed inflators is made from high performance engineering plastics, ideal for automotive applications.
• The more robust “Premium/best” units feature a die-cast aluminium design, bigger screen and enhanced electronics offering bespoke options, including a multi-hose model.

If space and cost savings are key then the “better”, user-friendly ACCURA QUBE electronic pre-set unit offers superb value and fast, accurate tyre inflation, now with an additional 4-button pre-set option. This model can also be installed from manufacture or retro-fitted around existing equipment. As the QUBE can be run from an existing engine mounted on-board compressor, it is a popular choice for mobile tyre service vans. The ultimate guide on the QUBE can be found here.

What mobile tyre inflators do PCL offer?

PCL’s ‘Made in Sheffield’ compact mobile inflation solutions allow flexible working and positioning in the workplace. The battery-operated units mean no trailing wires, they can be moved quickly and conveniently on castors around sites and in between vehicles. PCL’s mobile tyre inflator range includes the N72 and AM90.

N72 Nitrogen Generator / Tyre Inflator

The N72 Nitrogen Generator / Tyre Inflator uses PCL’s best-in-class ‘purge and fill’ software, it can convert 4 air filled tyres to 95%+ Nitrogen simultaneously with the touch of a button, and is ideal for tyre shops and industrial applications. Want to learn more about the benefits of Nitrogen? Read our guide.

AM90 Mobile Tyre Inflation Unit

Developed and tested in conjunction with Ocado’s van fleet network, The AM90 is a completely self-contained mobile tyre inflation cart for inflating tyres on cars, vans or commercial vehicles up to 145 psi. This mobile unit with built in compressor is ideal for multiple fleet sites or where there is limited access to mains compressed air.  

How do I choose the right handheld inflator?

Choosing the right style of handheld for your needs comes down to personal preference and PCL offers a range of performance options within each of the linear, dial and digital types.

Linear gauges

"Economy" airlite eco

"Premium" AIRFORCE® MK4

These gauges are highly robust and offer good indoor and outdoor capabilities depending on the value and mechanism quality. Linear gauges, such as PCL’s market-leading AIRFORCE® MK4, display pressure data on a horizontal scale, with the indicator position determined by the contraction of a carefully calibrated and sensitive spring delivered by the pressure in a tyre or other vessel. The life and accuracy of the gauge is dependent upon the spring’s accuracy, as well as the valve mechanism, with PCL’s MK4 being the number one in the world. The range also includes the economy airlite eco Tyre Inflator.

Learn more about the difference between the airlite eco and AIRFORCE MK4.

Dial gauges

Dial gauges provide a calibrated face with a needle which moves to point to the pressure level within the tyre being inflated. The needle movement can be controlled by mechanical methods such as Bourdon tube, bellow or diaphragm. The quality of the dial mechanism controls the quality, accuracy and life. PCL offers three product levels: “premium/best” fully EC- approved and tested for all environments including the most demanding and where accuracy is key; “better” for mid-range workshops; and “good" for where intensity is low and tight accuracy less important.

Digital gauges

Electronic inflators display a digital readout with pressure measured by an electronic pressure sensor which is both accurate and easy to read. PCL provides a solution for all working environments, ranging from the highly accurate ACCURA 1 with ceramic sensor to the flexible and environmentally tolerant ACCURA® MK4.

Types of Tyre Valve Connectors

CO1A03 Open end connector

CO1B03 Closed end connector