The evolution of the MK4 Linear Tyre Inflator
The MK4 family of linear tyre inflators comes with a long and illustrious history.
The journey begins with the Vertex air line gauge, better known as the MK2, which gained plaudits for its trusty and reliable performance. The MK2 eventually passed the baton to the MK3 range in 1992, which itself furthered the MK reputation as one of high versatility and excellent durability.
The MK3 made way for the MK4 in 2016, which brought with it a series of innovations including an enlarged viewing window, keeping it amongst the most popular of our products.
MK2 Inflator (1945 - 1993)
Designed around the end of the Second World War in 1945, the MK2 was highly popular in garages and service stations for many years and is still used by many today.
Promotional material for PCL's MK2 Vertex Air Line Gauge
Originally designed as a hand tool for inflating tyres and reading tyre pressure, the MK2 Tyre Inflator was found to be more than just a tyre inflator… One example is when the MK2 was used by W.P. Evans & Son Limited to provide rapid inflation of the core of their air shaft.
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PCL inflates an 'Air Shaft' |
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Materials produced in a continuous web form such as paper aluminium, plastics and carpets have to be taken off the manufacturing machine using a shaft pushed through the centre of the roll of material. These shafts used to be solid until W.P. Evans & Son Limited in Manchester, produced an ‘air shaft’. The compressed air activated spring loaded buttons within the shaft to grip the inside of the core. PCL’s Mark 2 Air Line Gauges was used to provide rapid inflation of the core. |
Extract from PCL's 1970 Catalogue
PCL continued to develop products for use with the MK2 gauge, such as the Air and Water post in the late 1940s, the Reelair in 1956, and the Portagauge in 1976.
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Air & Water Post |
Portagauge |
During the 1970s, PCL expanded the MK2 range to include a tyre shop model with similar specification and appearance to MK2 but with 1.8m hose with twin clip on connector to keep operators safely away from a tyre when inflating, and a high pressure model specifically developed for commercial airlines and government departments who needed to inflate aircraft or other specialised tyres up to 300 psi or 21 bar.
PCL's MK2 Tyre Shop Model (1979 Catalogue)
The MK2’s production came to an end in 1993, making way for the new and improved MK3.
The Airline Gauge MK2 (ALG2H03) was the last product produced at PCL’s Eyre Street factory on the 8th February 1993, before operations were moved in its entirety to Holbrook Rise, Mosborough.
MK3 Inflator (1992 - 2016)
In 1992, PCL introduced the MK3 Inflator with approval 86/217/EEC to meet the new harmonised European standards. Renowned for its durability and high performance, these products were a favourite amongst our customers throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
MK3 (ALG3) Tyre Inflator from PCL's 1990s Tyre Inflation Brochure
AIRFORCE MK4 Inflator (2016 - )
The launch of the AIRFORCE MK4 Tyre Inflator in 2016 offered an upgrade of the popular linear-style MK3 hand-held inflator. Still manufactured in Sheffield, the MK4 features various innovations including an enlarged viewing window, lighter weight and ergonomic feel. The new piston & seal design on the MK4 provides increased accuracy life by up to 150,000 cycles vs the MK3 gauge on tests.
PCL's AIRFORCE MK4 Improvements
In 2017, one year after the launch of the AIRFORCE MK4, the first digital ACCURA MK4 was introduced – a digital version of the MK4 with metal body, hand inflator controls and an easy to read backlit LCD screen.
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PCL's AIRFORCE MK4 Tyre Inflator |
PCL's ACCURA MK4 Tyre Inflator |
As a stamp of their quality, the AIRFORCE MK4 and ACCURA MK4 now come with a two-year warranty.
Watch Now: The Omni Garage duo put the AIRFORCE MK4 and ACCURA MK4 to the test
In 2022, the little brother of the MK4 - the airlite eco - was launched. Designed for less demanding environments or occasional use, the airlite eco is a cost-effective addition to general trade or an enthusiast tool kit. Want to learn more about the difference between the MK4 and airlite eco, read our handy guide.
PCL's economy airlite eco Tyre Inflator
Do you have your own vintage PCL MK2/MK3 Inflator or the latest MK4 Inflator? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @pclairtechnology.
