Buying a seamless gutter machine is the most important investment most gutter companies will make in launching or expanding their gutter business.
The question is ,Should you buy a gutter machine for 5″ or 6″ gutters? You can compare the prices across the industry, but how can you choose between one manufacture and another? Are used gutter machines still a viable alternative?
There are several different types of seamless k-style gutter machines: 5″, 6″, 5″/6″ combination gutter machines, 5 1/2″ fascia gutter machines, and gutter machines with the Alcoa-style hook. Gutter machines that make seamless half-round gutters are not affordable; current models cost approximately $40,000 or more and are not portable.
New K-style seamless gutter machines can range from $5,875 to $15,000 depending on the size and the brand. When buying a gutter machine most people ask what are the major differences between the types of gutter machines. The main difference is the drive roll system, whether it is a polyurethane drive roll system or a steel roll system.
Some reasons that Polyurethane drive roll systems are considered to be at the top of the line are: First, they are free-floating, there is no need to travel from jobsite to jobsite with coil in the gutter machine, there is less material to waste. They also enable the gutter machine to run 24-gauge steel and last, polyurethane rollers grab the coil a lot better, which means less slippage in a cold weather environment and condensation.