Kba - 105

[weldik]

hallo,

We are investigating a KBA-105 machine, and we have found some discrepencies in the information provided by the seller. I would appreciate some assistance in clarifying the below:

1-It is our understanding that the KBA Rapida 105 was first produced and launched in 1998 as per the information published on KBA website (while the year of production of the latter machine is noted as 1996). Any feedback on this matter?

2-The internal parts of the machine are labelled as "KBA Rapida 104". Can you please advise if the KBA-105 could have any internal parts pertaining to the older KBA Rapida 104 or the latter is indeed a KBA Rapida 104 officially?

3-Is there a way to know from the serial number if the machine is a 104 or a 105 model?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Meny]

well , if it looks like a 104 , and it is writen on it 104 , it is very much a 104.....

 

[weldik]

I wish it was that simple. The machine has an external casing labeled as 105, and was bought from the seller as a "1996 KBA Rapida 105-4 SW2 PWHA".
The discrepancy of the internal parts labeling was noticed after delivery. Same with the issue of the production year.

 

[Meny]

What is the difference between the 2 for YOUR work.
KBA Rapida 104 is not a bad pres in general , same as the 105.

Do you need the 105 cm size ? doing packaging at full size ?
If not , the extra 1 cm has no meaning.

Is the press automation good ? is the conditiuon of the press good ? is the price good for your budget ?

If it is a good press in good condition for a good price , what is your problem ?
If it is a good press in bad condition for a too high price , what is the question ?

The bottome line should not be the name of the model but what you can do with the press at what price and if it is a good solution for your business.

As lot's and lot's of KBA Rapidas are on the market , you can always look for one that has no question marks to deal with...

Is KBA the only press you can use or it is the newest press for the lowest price ?
If so (the cheaper option) i would think again and again as the the price you buy must be connected to the running price , and the cost of onership on an old KBA is rather high...

good luck printing

 

[weldik]

Meny,

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate your input...
My problem was that we agreed/bought a specific model, a Rapida-105, and contractually i expected the seller to deliver the same regardless if the technical specifications of the two machines are close. The questions in the first post were intended to see if the seller has met his obligations or not...this is not small investment for small printing press as you know quite well, even if it is an old machine.

Thanks

 

[Meny]

Well , as i do not know who the seller is , what was writen in the contract and what you have on your floor exactlly , this is the best i can do.

Any way , make the most out of the press and good luck

Meny

 

[rapida guy]

The Ra 105 started in 1998. For sure no exceptions. In 1996 there was the Ra 104 only, no exceptions. It is HIGHLY doubtful that any parts were used between the two as the Ra 105 was a mostly different design. The electronics are completely different. The Ra 105 will use ABB components. The two machines don't even look alike. And yes, KBA can tell from the serial number. The model number is usually stamped on the same plate that the serial number is. Post some pictures of the machine and I can tell you which it is for sure.

 

[weldik]

Dear rapida guy,

Thanks for your feedback.

We have contacted KBA on multiple occasions and have supplied our serial number, but they have stated that they cannot confirm our model from the serial number.

I have added an album on my profile with a couple of pictures, one showing the external shell (with kba-105 written on it), and another showing an internal plate with kba-104 written on it.

Also please note that our contract notes the following "1996 KBA Rapida 105-4 SW2 PWHA (4/0-2/2) - Serial number no. 362 002".

Appreciating your input and feedback,

Thanks!

 

[rapida guy]

The picture showing the Ra 104 and year 1996 looks like an electrical control cabinet. It doesn't relate to the machine. It is hard to tell much from the one picture of the press but it appears to be an Ra 105. I find it VERY hard to believe that any KBA representative can't tell you the year from the serial number. Usually, the plaque where the serial number is located also has the year of manufacture. It is located on the operator side of unit #1 facing the feeder. It is right above the feeder control panel. Again, if it is a 1996, it isn't an Ra 105. If it is an Ra 105, it isn't a 1996. Some thing looks fishy with the write up if that is on your contract. I think a serial number 362xxx is likely a 1999 or very early 2000.

 

[asimpleson]

Very fishy indeed. Weldik, what exactly was the outcome here at last? Maybe more pictures and comparing with pics online can confirm.

 

[cch]

our 105 was one of the first-if not the first in the states- serial # 362--- and it was installed in 1999

 

[rapida guy]

Was it a straight eight color machine? I remember being up that way with your KBA salesman years ago. The "big guy" is a good friend of mine.

 

[cch]

cch

it is a straigt 8/c and i think i know who your talkin about."the big guy" out of vermont?

 

[rapida guy]

Steve lived in NH but workedout of the Vermont headquarters. If you know of any KBA machines for sale, please let me know.

 

[cch]

I will

I remember Steve , he had some great stories.

 

[weldik]

Dear All,

Further to my previous query, we have received confirmation that the machine is a 104-4 SW2 (BR14) and not a 105-4 SW2 PWHA. can i please have your feedback on the main differences between the two?

Thank you in advance.

 

[rapida guy]

The biggest differences are the electrical system, electronics and operating system. Mechanically there are few big differences but the gripper system is slightly different by both are rock solid. The feeder head changed as well. Operator controls streamlines but control basically the same functions. Service and parts are difficult to come by for the Ra 104 as it is no longer supported. Good luck, still a nice machine.