Advise on a purchase of a older Heidelberg or Ryobi

Hello, we are looking to purchase a second hand machine in the 120-130k range. We need to print a max size of 420x594mm

We have in mind the Ryobi 784E, year 2006 or 2007 or a older Heidelberg SM 74-4, year 1996 or 1997.

Would if be a better purchase for a older heidelberg or a newer Ryobi? I need something that is reliable and has a quality print.

Any another press I could consider, let me know.. maybe the Ryobi 754.

Thanks

 

I would take a mechanically sound Heidelberg any day of the week over even a 10 years newer Ryobi. Heidelberg manufactures a proper printing press that in the hands of a skilled pressman should offer few form, and quality limitations. Ryobi on the other hand is a step above a duplicator IMHO.

 

Agree the Heidelberg, as long as it's in good condition.

 

There's so many things to consider when comparing presses. If you have an operator who has worked on the machines you're considering that can look at them first, that would be extremely helpful. If not - no matter what anyone tells you, it's probably going to end up being best guess and then roll the dice.

I myself have operated many different Heidelbergs and as many people know, there are a lot of them out there. That means that there's also a lot of operators. Besides operating Heidelbergs however, I've also operated some Ryobis as well. In particular, I happen to have worked on a Ryobi 755. That's a rare machine and with all due respect; most operators don't have the proper knowledge to give you advice on one, because they've probably never even seen one. In my opinion, it's a good machine and while it may not be built quite as robust as some of the older Heidelbergs, it can definitely print some nice work. It also has newer technology and some automation that will help to increase your pressroom efficiency.

Both manufacturers make quality presses and each press has different features and advantages. What I think it really boils down to is what your particular needs are, and maybe most importantly; what condition the machines you're looking at are in. Have they been properly maintained, and what are the impression counts?

 

Also let us know what type of work you have, Publishing, Packaging or Promotional Items?

 

Hello Asif, We print mainly posters 110gsm, flyers 250gsm or 300gsm. We need to provide very fast turn arounds.

 

SM74 can handle all the above mentioned gsm paper, but there can be marking and smudging issues with the heavier board but you can use super blue or some other anti marking sheets to prevent it.
I don't know much about Ryobi so I wont comment on that.

 

I have Ran both machines in question. Your budget will determine which you want to purchase. The Ryobi is a solid machine it’s not a Heidelberg. If you want to get in that market cheap Ryobi is the way to go. We are about to sale a 784 it’s been a great machine.

 

To make a choice of machine you have to weigh the pros and cons. So there are several things that you must take into consideration (the cost of the machine against the budget, the availability of qualified operators, the condition of the machine, the availability of technicians in the event of a breakdown, the space of your workshop generally the ryobis take less space than the heidelberg for example, and also the stock of spare parts. It is preferable to have several identical machines in your machine park to make a single stock of parts for all the machines, even plate stock, same blanket stock etc ...) For your type of work I recommend a sm74