The Evolution of Hunter Service Shop Equipment: A Journey with Quality AES

Since its inception in 1946 by WWII veteran Lee Hunter Jr., Hunter Engineering has been a trailblazer in the automotive service equipment industry. Veteran-owned and operated, Hunter Engineering has continually pushed the boundaries of innovation, transforming how service shops operate across the nation. 

At Quality Automotive Equipment & Service (Quality AES), we are proud to be a distributor of Hunter's cutting-edge products. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of how Hunter Engineering's service shop equipment has evolved.

Hunter Engineering's legacy of innovation began even before its official founding. In 1936, Lee Hunter invented the Quick Charge Battery Charger, drastically reducing car battery charging time from days to hours. This early invention set the stage for a company dedicated to solving automotive challenges with innovative solutions.

In the 1940s, Hunter Engineering introduced the Tune-In, the company's first on-car wheel balancer. This innovation revolutionized wheel balancing, allowing for more accurate and efficient service. Following this, the 1950s saw the introduction of the Lite-A-Line, an industry-standard wheel alignment system that set a new benchmark for precision and reliability in wheel alignment.

As automotive technology advanced, so did Hunter Engineering. The 1960s and 1970s were marked by significant developments in off-car wheel balancing. In 1974, the Rapid Series Balancers were introduced, marking the beginning of this new era. These balancers allowed for more versatile and efficient wheel service, further solidifying Hunter's reputation as an industry leader.

The 1980s and 1990s brought about a wave of computerization and automation in the automotive service industry. Hunter Engineering was at the forefront of this revolution, introducing computerized dsp wheel balancers, followed by road force balancers, four-wheel alignment machines, brake lathes, and alignment racks. These advancements not only improved the accuracy and efficiency of service operations but also enhanced the overall customer experience.

In 2002, Hunter Engineering launched HunterNet, a groundbreaking system that provides service shops with real-time data on equipment results, trends, and management reports. This innovation transformed how service shops manage their operations, offering unprecedented insights and control.

The Road Force Elite, the newest of the road force series, introduced later, exemplifies Hunter's commitment to advanced diagnostics. This diagnostic wheel balancer performs traditional balance and Road Force Measurement in less time than a conventional balance, showcasing Hunter's ability to combine speed with precision.

Hunter Engineering's commitment to innovation extends beyond product development. Their Research and Development center is a hub of creativity and technical prowess, where electrical engineers conduct stress tests and develop new products to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry. 

This relentless pursuit of excellence, and the “Made In America” designation Hunter proudly displays ensures that Hunter's equipment will remain and continue its course of utilizing great American engineering and cutting edge of technology.

At Quality AES, we are honored to distribute Hunter Engineering's innovative products to service shops in Kansas, Missouri and across the United States. Our partnership is built on a shared commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. 

Hunter's comprehensive range of equipment, from computerized wheel balancers and tire changers to vehicle lifts and alignment systems, allows our clients to improve their shop revenue all while delivering top-notch service, quicker diagnostic analysis, and speedy repair services.

The journey of Hunter Engineering is a testament to the power of innovation and dedication. As we look to the future, we can expect continued advancements that will further revolutionize the automotive service industry. At Quality AES, we are excited to be part of this journey, providing our clients with the latest and most reliable equipment to meet their evolving needs.

Experience the evolution of automotive service equipment with Quality AES and Hunter Engineering, where tradition meets innovation, and excellence is a standard.

To learn more about Quality AES, we invite you to meet our team, read our history and see our gallery of shop equipment in action.  If you have any questions about Hunter equipment and would like to talk with a Quality AES representative, give us a call at 913-205-1350 or send us a private message here.