Hofmann vs Ravaglioli aligner

[jhamrick]

Anybody out there have experience with the new generation of Hofmann or Ravaglioli aligners such as the ones in the links below? We've been using Hunter forever, but feel like it is time to ask ourselves if Hunter really is the best option or is it time to give something else a try. Any feedback on performance and service after the sale would be greatly appreciated. 

https://ravamerica.com/automotive-alignment-equipment/vistar-td3000hp-tower-free-3d-alignment-system/

 

http://www.hofmann-usa.com/wa-geoliner-770.asp

[xrac]

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[jhamrick]

Yes xrac, the Hofmann and the John Bean are the same machine. And now that Rotary has acquired Ravaglioli they also have a machine that is identical to the Rav.

[xrac]

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[jhamrick]

36 minutes ago, xrac said:

I do not know how common the Hamrick name is but we have Hamrick Towing here. 

It is not terribly common as far as I know, but oddly enough there is a Hamrick Tire & Automotive about 100 miles away from my place as well.

[mspecperformance]

I have heard decent things about the Rav stuff BUT it is a camera system. Hunter is by far the fastest to set up and break down. If you are looking to maximize profit from alignments then go Hunter. You can quickcheck cars very fast too. If you have the proper system in place you'll sell a lot of alignments. I have experience with camera based aligners and unless are only doing a handful of alignments a week, go hunter. 

[carolinahigear]

We took delivery of a new Hunter system in February and it is an astounding machine. It has a 16,000 lb. scissor lift and all the bells and whistles. We can now check the alignment and get a print-out in 3 to 5 minutes. Many of our 4-wheel alignments are performed in only 15 to 20 minutes. Thursday afternoon a 2015 Corolla came in for a tire rotation only, but the front tires were slick and the rear were down to the wear bars. This was at 4:20 PM. I showed the new client his bad tires and gave him a price on tires and alignment. He said to go ahead, and my son installed new tires in 25 minutes and then took the car to the alignment tech. The complete job was completed and test driven in 45 minutes.

We definitely enjoy our new Hunter set-up.

[xrac]

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[andybizub]

I had the John Bean guys come in and demonstrate their machine, it was a little sketchy the ways it worked, and it read my car as being way out of line, which it is not.

My Hunter rep found a 5 year old machine and scissor lift from a training center, I went with that setup, bought a new computer, and Hunter installed up to date software. I have to say, the used Hunter setup was about the same price as the new John Bean, but it works great, I get great service, and my techs like it. 

[jhamrick]

On 3/25/2017 at 5:21 PM, mspecperformance said:

I have heard decent things about the Rav stuff BUT it is a camera system. Hunter is by far the fastest to set up and break down. If you are looking to maximize profit from alignments then go Hunter. You can quickcheck cars very fast too. If you have the proper system in place you'll sell a lot of alignments. I have experience with camera based aligners and unless are only doing a handful of alignments a week, go hunter. 

I should have specified that we perform 5-10 alignments per day and are currently using an older Hunter Hawkeye, which is a camera system as well, and it is not giving us any problems. I am looking at the Rav and Hoffman equipment because they offer systems that are tower free and simplify camera placement by mounting the cameras on the rack itself. 

https://ravamerica.com/automotive-alignment-equipment/vistar-td3000hp-tower-free-3d-alignment-system/

[mspecperformance]

30 minutes ago, jhamrick said:

I should have specified that we perform 5-10 alignments per day and are currently using an older Hunter Hawkeye, which is a camera system as well, and it is not giving us any problems. I am looking at the Rav and Hoffman equipment because they offer systems that are tower free and simplify camera placement by mounting the cameras on the rack itself. 

https://ravamerica.com/automotive-alignment-equipment/vistar-td3000hp-tower-free-3d-alignment-system/

 

If you are doing 5-10 alignments a day I don't see you being happy with the other products UNLESS you just have no idea how fast it is to set up and breakdown the new Hawkeye Elite heads. If you don't have a point of reference then you might not think there is a justification in spending the extra dough. 

 

When I mention "camera" system I mean where the cameras are mounted at the wheels opposed to Hunter and Hoffman/John Bean set up where targets are mounted onto the wheel. Good, Better, Best would go in the order of Rav, Hoffman/JB, Hunter. 

[TAS]

On 3/25/2017 at 5:21 PM, mspecperformance said:

I have heard decent things about the Rav stuff BUT it is a camera system. Hunter is by far the fastest to set up and break down. If you are looking to maximize profit from alignments then go Hunter. You can quickcheck cars very fast too. If you have the proper system in place you'll sell a lot of alignments. I have experience with camera based aligners and unless are only doing a handful of alignments a week, go hunter. 

Hunter IS A camera system. The Rav is also a camera system, but faster than all the others! NO RUN out, quick touch-less clamps THEN readings. In fact you can get reading almost anywhere in you shop without moving the console! Including quick checks on any lift or ground. Capable of getting accurate reading on longer wheel base vehicles as well. You MUST see it in action. Also, NO DELAY in readings if the signal get blocked.