Apparatus and method for mounting and demounting a tire to or from a rim of a vehicle wheel

The present invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a tire (T) on a rim (R) of a vehicle wheel (W) and for demounting a tire (T) from a rim (R) of a vehicle wheel (W) comprising at least one fitting or removal tool (32) for mounting and demounting the tire (T), and a control unit for controlling at least the movement of the at least one fitting or removal tool (32). Moreover, a load measuring device (40) is attached to the at least one fitting or removal tool (32) for measuring the load applied to said at least one fitting or removal tool (32) while mounting or demounting said tire (T) to or from said rim (R). The present invention further relates to a corresponding method for mounting a tire (T) on a rim (R) to of a vehicle wheel (W).