Ranger RL-8500 Combination Disc/Drum Brake Lathe w/Bench & Std Tooling

Ranger’s revolutionary RL-8500 combination brake lathe utilizes independent DC servo motors that control the cross-feed and spindle feed drives. This ultimately eliminates the need for complex mechanical gearboxes and transmissions that are usually found on mechanically driven brake lathes.

Overview

Ranger’s RL-8500 brake lathe stands out as a rugged and efficient solution for rotor/flywheel and drum/flywheel resurfacing, offering faster, easier, and more accurate results than many other brake lathes on the market. The lathe’s infinitely adjustable feed rates provide flexibility in modifying cut speeds, allowing for optimal finish results whether undertaking an initial rough cut or a single-pass micro-finish. The complete lathe package includes the lathe itself, a sturdy bench, and large tool storage backboards for convenient access to all adapters.

An innovative design approach sets the RL-8500 apart by eliminating the need for gear-driven mechanical drives and variable-speed transmission devices, addressing the common issue of vibrations affecting the tool-tip and resulting in imperfect cuts on the machined surface. The absence of gears and transmissions ensures a smooth operation, mitigating vibrations and chatter associated with traditional brake lathes.

A tradition of service

The RL-8500’s design prioritizes quality, durability, and precision, embodying Ranger’s commitment to creating products that not only meet high standards but consistently offer solutions to simplify the lives of technicians. Introduced nearly 40 years ago, the RL-8500 has become a favorite among brake technicians for its simplicity, speed, and reliability. The twin-cutter tool head with micrometer dials, quick drum-to-rotor changeover, and adjustable speed settings contribute to its peak performance and superior utility.

Time-tested construction

Ranger’s negative rake tooling ensures one-pass finish cuts, meeting or exceeding factory specifications, while the infinitely adjustable spindle-feed gearbox provides variable speed settings for precision. The RL-8500’s independent DC servo motors control cross feed and spindle feed drives, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gearboxes and transmissions, thereby reducing service and repair costs over the unit’s lifetime.

Heavy-duty bench included

The inclusion of a sturdy steel workbench with large tool storage backboards, a multi-compartment toolbox, and a chip “catch” funnel enhances the RL-8500’s functionality and organization. The quick-change tool-head design allows operators to easily switch between drums and rotors, minimizing downtime and improving efficiency. The upfront controls are strategically placed for minimal operator movement, and a tool tray near the front of the machine keeps essential brake lathe tools within easy reach.

Fully equipped tooling package comes standard

The RL-8500 comes fully loaded with essential components, including a micro-dial twin tool cutter, boring bar, inside floating adapters, self-aligning spacer, outside floating adapter, centering cones, spacers, double-taper adapters, hubless adapters, carbide cutting tools, 6-sided carbide cutting inserts, 1” arbor, arbor nut, backload spring, spare bulb for the lamp, illustrated instruction manual, wrenches, high-impact anti-vibration bands, and a plastic storage case.

Safe and easy to use

Ranger has incorporated a sensible ergonomic design into the RL-8500, facilitating quick and efficient work. Dual LED extra-bright work lamps ensure proper illumination of both sides of the rotor and the work area, even in darker corners. For those seeking a comprehensive adapter package, the RL-8500 offers an upgraded 1-⅞” arbor and a wide variety of adapters, making it suitable for servicing a diverse range of vehicles, including full-size commercial trucks. In conclusion, the RL-8500 by Ranger combines innovation, efficiency, and durability to provide a reliable solution for brake resurfacing needs.

Features

• Precision electric DC servo motors designed to meet the demanding requirements of industrial motion control
• Quick-Change Adapter-Plus system with built-in springs eliminates the need for conventional bell clamps and cones
• Works with hubless drums, rotors (center hole sized 2-5/32" – 4") and composite rotors (center hole sized 4" – 6.25")
• The RL-8500 is equipped with features that help increase your service capability, like precision twin cutter tools and a quick drum-to-rotor changeover
• Infinitely variable spindle and cross feed speed settings allow for quick rough and precision finish cuts
• Simple ergonomic controls are designed for minimal operator movement
• Legendary control makes unit easy to learn and master
• The RL-8500 maintains accuracy year after year thanks to ruggedly constructed components like a hardened, precision ground spindle that resists grooving and makes boots a thing of the past
• Massive tapered spindle bearings offer superior weight support during rotation
• Exclusive "splash-lube" oil-feed system supplies a constant flow of oil to the bearings, making sure they provide years of trouble-free service
• Serpentine belts provide a faster, quieter operation, reducing chatter and vibration
• An independent cross feed motor eliminates the need for plastic or bronze shear gear that are expensive and time-consuming to replace
• A convenient top storage tray means your popular adapters and tools are kept within short reach
• Separate motors on the drum and rotor feed help maximize the main motor's efficiency
• Our deluxe standard adapter package includes a Quick-Change hubless adapter system that makes mounting rotors and drums quick and easy
• A variety of adapters let you machine all standard and composite rotors for foreign and domestic cars and light trucks
• A 450-lb. cast iron body and a solid work bench reduce transient vibrations, ensuring a smooth uninterrupted surface finish with each pass
• Easily change arbor speeds in seconds: choose 150 or 200 rpm, depending on the job
• Positive rake cutter tip angle provides a one-pass finish virtually every time, allowing you to complete your work faster than inferior multi-pass lathes
• Optional truck adapter kit available

Specifications

Motor Drive Unit 115 – 230 VAC, 50-60 hz, 1 Ph, 20 amp
Max Rotor Thickness 2.5” (64 mm)
Max Rotor Diameter 17” (432 mm)
Brake Drum Diameter 6” – 28” (152 mm – 711 mm)
Max Load with Standard 1” Arbor 150 lbs. (68 kg)
Max Load with Optional 1-7/8” Truck Arbor 250 lbs. (113 kg)
Spindle Travel 6-7/8” (175 mm)
Spindle Speed 150 rpm – 200 rpm
Shipping Weight w/ Bench & Tools 678 lbs. (307 kg)
Shipping Dimensions 45'' x 38'' x 29'' (1,143 mm x 965 mm x 736 mm)