Can I upgrade a P version to P Plus later?

ATH also offers the wheel lift, the SpeedPlate Kit 5 Finger and the large clamping hood as accessories. Contact us and we will check what fits your machine.

Can I balance large alloy wheels?

All six machines accept rims from 10 to 24 inches and wheels up to 900 mm in diameter. All of them have alloy programs and the split-behind-spoke function. For sensitive alloy wheels, the SpeedPlate kit and the large clamping hood make sense; on the P Plus they come as standard.

Is a normal power connection enough, or do I need three-phase power?

Many lifts run on 400 V three-phase power; some models also run on 230 V. The required connection is stated in the product description.

ATH W44 or W64? Comparing the ATH W Series

Q: Does the W64 balance more accurately than the W44?

No. According to the manufacturer and product data, both series have the same measuring tolerance (±1 g), the same measuring time (8 s) and the same measuring speed (200 rpm). The difference is in the display and the laser position.

Q: Do I need a compressor for the P versions?

Yes. Pneumatic clamping requires a compressed-air connection at the installation site. The versions without P work without compressed air.

By Andreas Reisacher, workshop expert at hebebuehne24.de · Last updated: November 12, 2026

You won’t know whether you chose the right wheel balancer on the day it arrives. You’ll know in spring and autumn, when the wheels pile up and every clamp counts. Or you’ll know it by the alloy rim that must not get a scratch.

For 2026, ATH-Heinl has added two new product lines: the W44 and the W64. Each comes in three versions. That makes six machines that look very similar at first glance. In this article, we show you how they really differ, what each difference means in day-to-day work, and which machine fits which shop.

Technical data comparison

Model	Clamping / drive	Compressed air	Monitor	Laser	Accessory highlights (Plus)	Weight (net / gross)
W44	40 mm threaded shaft, manual	no	LED	5 o’clock	–	120 kg
W44 P	pneumatic 40 mm	yes	LED	5 o’clock	–	140 kg
W44 P Plus	pneumatic 40 mm	yes	LED	5 o’clock	Wheel lift RRH1107, SpeedPlate kit, clamping hood	140 kg
W64	40 mm threaded shaft, manual	no	22" LCD	6 o’clock	–	120 kg
W64 P	pneumatic 40 mm	yes	22" LCD	6 o’clock	–	140 kg
W64 P Plus	pneumatic 40 mm	yes	22" LCD	6 o’clock	Wheel lift RRH1107, SpeedPlate kit, clamping hood	140 kg

The same on all six: measuring tolerance ±1 g, measuring time 8 s, measuring speed 200 rpm, rim diameter 10–24", rim width 1.5–20", center bore 45–130 mm, max. wheel diameter 900 mm, max. wheel weight 65 kg, drive 0.20 kW, 230 V / C16A. Always included: rim width gauge, weight pliers, 100 g calibration weight, Allen key, assembly tool for the balancing shaft, four centering cones 45–135 mm, quick-clamp nut, clamping hood, and balancing shaft.

You’ll find the exact technical values and details in the respective product data sheet.

What all six have in common

Before we get to the differences, one important point: you don’t pay extra for accuracy with any version. Measuring technology and programs are the same in both product lines.

Sonar rim scanning: Rim width is captured contactlessly and automatically. You don’t have to measure it by hand and type it in, and no measuring arm scrapes the rim.
Automatic positioning: After the measuring spin, the machine rotates the wheel itself to the position where the weight goes. You don’t have to find the spot by hand.
Laser indicator: A laser marks where the adhesive weight must sit. That helps you place the weight correctly the first time.
Static, dynamic, and alloy programs: There are suitable programs for steel and alloy rims, so weights sit where they make sense on the rim in question.
Split hidden-spoke function: Adhesive weights can be split and applied hidden behind the spokes. On visible alloy rims, the look stays clean.
Optimization program: It match-mounts the tire and rim to reduce the overall weight requirement.
Extended clamping shaft: Additional clamping fixtures for special rims fit onto the shaft.
Motorcycle function: Available as an option. More on that below.

Interim conclusion

Whether W44 or W64, with or without P: on these machines, the balancing result does not depend on the version. The differences are in clamping, the display, and the accessories.

Difference 1: Threaded shaft or pneumatic clamping

Threaded shaft (W44, W64)

The wheel is tightened onto the 40 mm threaded shaft with the quick-clamp nut. All you need is power — no compressed air.

Your benefit: The machine runs anywhere there is a 230 V outlet. No compressor, no compressed-air line, no extra installation.
Ideal for: Private garages, hobby workshops, shops without a compressed-air system, or a second balancing station away from the compressed air.
What to watch for: When you’re doing many wheels in a row, tightening by hand takes more time and effort than pneumatic clamping.

Pneumatic clamping on a wheel balancer — how it works

Pneumatic clamping (W44 P, W64 P, P Plus)

The wheel is clamped onto the 40 mm shaft by compressed air.

Your benefit: According to the manufacturer, faster and easier on your strength than manual systems. At 30, 50, or more wheels a day, you notice that in your wrists and cycle time.
Ideal for: Workshops with regular tire service and an existing compressed-air system.
What to watch for: You need a compressed-air connection at the installation site. The machines are also heavier (140 kg instead of 120 kg, according to ATH).

Difference 2: W44 or W64, LED or 22-inch LCD

Technology, measured values, and clamping shafts are the same on the W44 and W64. The difference is the workstation in front of the machine.

W44 with LED monitor, laser at 5 o’clock

Your benefit: A clear, high-contrast screen with all measurement data. ATH positions the W44 as the entry point into professional balancing.
Ideal for: Anyone who needs a clear display and can do without the large screen.

W64 with 22-inch LCD monitor, laser at 6 o’clock

Your benefit: A large screen with clear operator guidance. You can read measured values and work steps even from a short distance. That helps when several employees use the machine, or when seasonal business has to move fast.
Ideal for: Shops where the machine runs many hours a day and several people operate it.

5 o’clock or 6 o’clock?

Both lasers show you the adhesive position. On the W64 it sits vertically below the wheel center (6 o’clock); on the W44 it sits slightly to the side of that (5 o’clock). Which position suits you better is mainly a matter of habit. If you already work with a machine, pay attention to where your current laser marks.

Difference 3: P or P Plus

The P Plus is not a different machine. It is the P version with three accessories that make a big difference in everyday use.

Wheel lift ATH RRH1107

Lifts the wheel to the height of the balancing shaft. You no longer have to lift heavy wheel-and-tire combinations by hand. That protects your back and, according to ATH, avoids damage to the wheel and the machine when seating the wheel.

SpeedPlate Kit 5 Finger

Centers the wheel via the bolt circle instead of the center bore. According to ATH, a distortion-free, rim-friendly mounting. For wheels with a 5-hole pattern, you don’t need to change cones.

Large clamping hood for alloy rims

Clamps the wheel over a larger contact surface. Protects sensitive alloy rims from scratches during clamping.

Good to know: ATH also offers the wheel lift, SpeedPlate kit, and large clamping hood as accessories. If you start with a P version, you can retrofit later. If you balance a lot of heavy wheels or high-quality alloy rims from the start, the P Plus has everything right at the station.

Difference 4: Motorcycles and vans

Both product lines have an optional motorcycle function. ATH lists the matching motorcycle flange with motorcycle measuring tip in its accessory list for the W44 and W64 without P. If you regularly want to balance motorcycle wheels, the threaded-shaft version is therefore the safe choice. With a P version, we’ll check with you before purchase which accessory fits.

For van wheels (light commercial vehicles), ATH offers an LCV cone with flange, specified for the W44, W44 P, W64, and W64 P.

Decision guide: four questions to the right machine

Your guide to the perfect choice.

Now that you know the different basic types, the choice can still feel overwhelming. Just answer the following key questions, and we’ll tell you which wheel balancer fits you.

1. Do you have compressed air at the installation site?

2. How intensively do you balance?

3. How important is the large screen to you?

4. Do you also balance motorcycle wheels?

🎯 Your ideal machine recommendation:

Your summary at a glance

The all-rounder for everything on cars: Two-post lift
The specialist for wheel alignment & heavy loads: Four-post lift
The space and speed wonder: Scissor lift
The heavy-duty solution for trucks & buses: Mobile column lifts
The expert for two- and four-wheelers: Motorcycle/quad lift

Frequently asked questions

Does the W64 balance more accurately than the W44?

No. According to manufacturer and product data, both product lines have the same measuring tolerance (±1 g), the same measuring time (8 s), and the same measuring speed (200 rpm). The difference is in the screen and the laser position.

Do I need a compressor for the P versions?

Yes. Pneumatic clamping needs a compressed-air connection at the installation site. The versions without P do not need compressed air.

Can I upgrade a P version to a P Plus later?

ATH also offers the wheel lift, SpeedPlate Kit 5 Finger, and large clamping hood as accessories. Talk to us, and we’ll check what fits your machine.

Can I balance large alloy rims?

All six machines accept rims from 10 to 24 inches and wheels up to 900 mm in diameter. All of them have alloy programs and the split hidden-spoke function. For sensitive alloy rims, the SpeedPlate kit and large clamping hood are worthwhile; they come as standard on the P Plus.

How much power does the machine need?

All six models run on 230 V with a C16A circuit breaker; drive power is 0.20 kW.

Can I also balance motorcycle wheels?

With the optional motorcycle function, yes. ATH lists the motorcycle flange for the versions without 'P'. If motorcycles are important to you, talk to us before buying.