SM74 v CD74

SM74 verses CD74We are currently looking at purchasing a newish 2004/2008 4 col with lx. Can you tell me what the price difference if any there is between the SM74 and the CD74.
Most of our work is around the 300gsm mark and i know the CD is more suitable. The powers that be are concerned about costs so I need to back up what I am suggesting. Can any one help?

 

cd 74 will cost you more but early ones are hounded with problems

 

Hundreds of problems??? Really??? I think your exagerating a bit. I have a few early model CD74s I work on. Early model machines are anything earlier than 451000. None have had major issues. All run quite well and a few have well over 200 million on them. If you plan to run board, its a no brainer, get the CD74. Even early model machines will provide great print quality for you for a long time to come. I would be more concerned about the number of impressions than the serial number.

 

I would say if you are running mainly cover stock then go for the CD as it has a better cylinder configuration.
With the SM you are more likely to suffer from cylinder marking as there is no suction on the transfer cylinders for the age of press you are looking at.
As far as the cost is concerned....you get what you pay for and if you buy cheap now you'll pay down the road later.

 

I did not say hundreds of problems I said hounded with problems like pan roller issues suction sidelay issues I could go on and on but you could say the same about any of the early series of any heidelberg macine

 

As someone stated earlier: You will encounter marking issues running heavier stocks on a SM74 due to the single diameter cylinder layout vs the double diameter layout of the CD press.

Just to give you an idea: We are offering a 2002 CD74-6+LX with 44mm impressions @ $570,000 LOT/LOC.

A SM74 of the same vintage would sell in the neighborhood of the $325k, maybe even cheaper, depending on options.