Which COATS Duckhead Is Right for Your Tire Machine?

If you’ve been in the tire bay long enough, you know the difference between getting it done and getting it done right often comes down to your tools—especially the duckhead. This humble but hard-working component takes the brunt of the action on a tire changer. And if it’s not matched to the job at hand, it can slow you down, damage wheels, or add unnecessary wear to your machines. 

At Coats, we offer four duckhead options for our Maxx Series tire changers—each one engineered with a specific shop scenario in mind. Here’s a plainspoken walkthrough of what they are, what they do best, and how to pick the right one for your shop. 

 

Standard Black Poly Duckhead: Tough, Simple, and Finish-Friendly 

This is the go-to choice for many high-volume tire shops, and for good reason. 

What it does well: 

• Made from a durable polymer that resists cracking 

• Won’t scratch or scuff expensive OEM wheels or custom finishes 

• One-bolt pivoting design makes it quick to swap with no adjustments needed 

Why shops like it: 

 If you’re running general passenger cars, light trucks, and see a steady flow of aluminum wheels, this head delivers consistent results without technician overthinking. Swapping it in or out takes seconds, making it ideal for busy shops that service a range of vehicles daily. 

Best fit for: 

 Shops doing standard retail work with high wheel turnover and a focus on protecting finishes. 

 

Gray Poly Duckhead: The Go-To for Raised Spoke Designs 

Think of this as the black poly’s taller sibling. 

What makes it different: 

• Similar material and mounting setup to the black poly 

• Slightly taller height allows it to ride above ornate or raised spokes found on custom wheels 

Why it matters: 

 Raised spoke wheels can be a nightmare with standard heads—either you risk damaging the spokes or you can’t  mount the  top  bead properly. This taller design clears that obstacle, saving time and headache. 

Best fit for: 

 Shops doing custom or aftermarket work—especially wheels with pronounced spokes or spoke-over-lip designs. 

 

GTS Euro-Style Duckhead: Built for Low-Profile & Run-Flat Tires 

If your shop frequently handles high-performance tires, this is the duckhead you want. 

Standout features: 

• Slim, poly construction for easy access under stiff sidewalls 

• Ideal for UHP, low-profile, and run-flat tires 

• Requires fine-tuning via two rear Allen screws plus a center bolt 

Why it’s worth the extra setup: 

 UHP and run-flat tires can destroy standard heads—or your patience—if you’re not equipped for them. The Euro-style head makes quick work of non-compliant tires, giving you more control and less risk of bead damage. 

Best fit for: 

 Performance-focused shops, tire specialists, or dealers working on vehicles with factory run-flats or sport packages. 

 

Standard Steel Duckhead: Classic Strength with Optional Boot Protection 

The steel duckhead is old school—in the best way. It’s all about strength and durability for day-in, day-out use. 

What makes it unique: 

• All-steel design is built for maximum rigidity 

• Integrated roller allows aluminum wheels to pass over without scraping 

• Optional “booty” protection cap adds a pivoting plastic shield for delicate wheels 

Why technicians still trust it: 

 Steel doesn’t flex or wear out quickly. It’s a solid choice for techs who’ve been doing this a long time and want reliable control. Add the protective boot, and you get the best of both worlds: durability and finish protection. 

Best fit for: 

 General repair shops, dealerships, or fleets that want a rugged, low-maintenance tool that can still handle the occasional sensitive rim. 

 

Choosing the Right Duckhead for Your Shop 

To decide which Coats duckhead is right for your tire machine—and your daily workload—ask yourself a few questions: 

• Do you see a lot of luxury or custom wheels? → Go poly. 

• Raised spoke or spoke-over-lip designs? → Gray poly. 

• Low-profile or run-flat tires? → Euro-style. 

• Want one head that lasts forever? → Steel. 

If you’re switching between vehicle types regularly, the one-bolt design on our poly heads makes quick changes a non-issue. For shops specializing in one tire type, it might make sense to keep your duckhead consistent and tailor your machine setup to maximize speed and protection. 

 

Designed for Your Workflow 

All Coats duckheads are engineered for fast swaps, minimal setup time, and reliable performance. Whether you’re a multi-bay tire dealer, an independent shop, or a dealership service lane, Coats duckheads keep your workflow smooth and your wheels protected. 

And if you ever need help deciding, we’ve got factory-trained reps and service techs across the country ready to walk the floor with you—because getting it done right means being backed by people who’ve been there. 

 

Final Takeaway: The Right Duckhead = Less Downtime, More Throughput 

Picking the right duckhead isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a frontline decision that affects your daily efficiency, your technician’s ease-of-use, and your customer satisfaction. Every head we build is part of a tire-changing system that’s designed to keep people moving and technology turning. 

If your current head is slowing you down or putting wheels at risk, it might be time for a change. 

Need help figuring out which Coats duckhead is best for your shop? 

Talk to your Coats sales or service rep—or reach out to us directly at coatscompany.com/contact/.