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

The heavy-duty RL-8500XLT combination brake lathe from Ranger features an extended capacity spindle that can turn a drum that’s up to 10” deep. The longer spindle and the relocated rear bushing provide the RL-8500XLT arbor with enough support to handle your heaviest drums, rotors, and flywheels.

The Ranger Heavy-Duty RL-8500XLT Brake Lathe

The expertly crafted RL-8500XLT brake lathe resurfaces brakes quickly and precisely. Like the RL-8500, the RL-8500XLT features unlimited feed rate settings, allowing the user to modify resurfacing rates with an easy turn of the dial. It is easier than ever to decrease or amplify the cut duration for the perfect finish, whether you’re rushing through the first rough cut or performing a single-pass micro-finish. The RL-8500XLT comes with everything you could need which includes a sturdy bench, and ample tool storage backboards that will keep your adapters nearby at all times.

The beauty of the RL-8500XLT comes from its design. It brings forward new innovative ideas while retaining the classic look and feel that technicians are familiar with. It implements DC servo motor controls for the cross feed and spindle feed drives, which means that Ranger has done away with needing unnecessary mechanical gearboxes and transmissions that were used in older brake lathes. The RL-8500XLT is built to last, and to that end you will find you are saving money on lifetime repair and maintenance costs.

A common issue that affects brake lathes is vibration and chatter transfer that will directly affect the tool-tip. You’ll know when that affects you because you will find an imperfect cut on the machined surface. Fortunately the RL-8500XLT is specifically designed to address this issue by eliminating the need for gear-driven mechanical drives and variable-speed transmission devices.

The extended-edition RL-8500XLT offers some of the best features, best performance, and best productivity possible in a brake lathing unit. Invest in a quality machine like this to take your shop to the next level.

Simple, durable, trouble-free

Ranger brake lathes are great for busy shops because they are so easy to use, and incredibly durable. The cast-iron design is paired with some of the most precise ground components, as well as giant “floating spindles”.

Time-tested construction

The RL-8500 brake lathe has been a Ranger staple since it was introduced 40 years ago. It was about time that they made the RL-8500XLT as a heavy-duty model of the same design. The XLT model still retains the simplicity, speed, precision, and durability that you have come to expect from Ranger. There is a very real possibility this brake lathe may outlive you. This brake lathe comes with a twin-cutter tool head with micrometer dials, quick drum-to-rotor changeover, adjustable speed settings that allow for quicker rough cuts (or slower smooth cuts) and an infinitely adjustable spindle-feed gear box with a variety of speed settings. Their negative rake tooling yields one-pass finish cuts every time, and the standard 1” arbor provides many tooling/adapter options. Finish-cuts are guaranteed to meet or exceed factory specifications.

Transmission-free, dual servo motors

Ranger has designed the RL-8500XLT to be very low maintenance, and they achieved this by having no gearbox or variable-speed transmission devices in their brake lathes. Transmission devices in particular are made of hundreds of moving parts that can and will fail over time. Instead Ranger has decided to go with independent DC servo motors to control cross feed and spindle feed drives.

Heavy-duty bench included

With Ranger you get a heavy-duty bench at no additional cost. With plenty of storage on the backboard you are able to keep your tools close by at all times. There is also a large chip “catch” funnel and chip bin that will keep your shop looking smart, safe, and clean. Additionally you will find a toolbox to hold all of your adapters and other accessories.

Easily change from rotors to drums (and back)

Operators will have the ability to change the setup from drums to rotors and vice-versa due to the quick-change tool-head design. Upfront controls are designed for minimal operator movement. A convenient tooling tray is positioned near the front of the lathe, so you can keep your preferred tools nearby.

Fully equipped tooling package comes standard

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, back load spring, spare bulb for lamp, illustrated instruction manual, wrenches, high-impact anti-vibration bands, storage case and more all come standard with a Ranger brake lathe.

Safe and easy to use

When used properly, brake lathes are safe. That being said, Ranger has gone the extra mile to further ensure the safety of the operators using the brake lathes. Their brake lathes feature an ergonomic design, you’ll never have to pull or crank from an off-balance position.

Adjustable work lamps

With Dual LED lights you will keep your work area properly lit, even in the darkest corners of your shop. A separate switch lets you turn them on or off at your convenience, and a clear Plexiglas shield protects users without obstructing their view.

Optional truck adapter set

If you’re looking to service virtually any vehicle, look no further. This super-duty adapter package includes a 1.9” arbor and a wide variety of adapters. This enormous multi-piece set can even allow you to service vehicles like full-size commercial trucks.

Features

• Extended capacity spindle can be used on brake drums 10” deep
• Rear bushing location provides extra support for the arbor
• Capable of truing even the heaviest drum rotors
• In contrast to mechanically-driven transmission and gear boxes, the RL-8500XLT uses 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 on all cars or trucks, both foreign and domestic, with hubless drums, rotors (center hole sized 2-5/32” – 4”) and composite rotors (center hole sized 4” – 6.25”)
• The RL-8500XLT 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-8500XLT 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
• Our 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 gears which 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 reduces 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 for a single-pass finish virtually every time, allowing you to complete your work faster than with 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 9-7/8” (248 mm)
Spindle Speed 150 rpm – 200 rpm
Cross Feed Speed (∞) 0 - .010” per revolution / 0 - 0.25 mm per revolution
Spindle Feed Speed (∞) 0 - .020” per revolution / 0 - 0.55 mm per revolution
Overall Mounted Height 62” (1,575 mm)
Spindle to Floor (Mounted) 39-1/2” (1,003 mm)
Required Floor Space (W x D) 53” x 36” (1,347 mm x 914 mm)
Shipping Weight w/ Bench & Tools 730 lbs. (331 kg)
Shipping Dimensions 46'' x 45'' x 29'' (1,168 mm x 1,143 mm x 736 mm)