RL-8500

An Exceptional Brake Lathe for Every Shop

The ruggedly built RL-8500 brake lathe is capable of faster, easier and more accurate rotor/flywheel and drum/flywheel resurfacing than any other brake lathe in its class. Infinitely adjustable feed rates allow you to easily modify cut speeds with the simple turn of a dial. Now you can reduce or increase the cut-time for the best finish results, whether you're speeding through an initial rough cut or a single-pass micro-finish. This complete lathe package includes the lathe, a sturdy bench and large tool storage backboards, so you can hang all your adapters within close reach.

One of the common problems that plague other brake lathes is the vibration and chatter transfer that directly affects the tool-tip and leaves an imperfect cut on the machined surface. The RL-8500 brake lathe by Ranger is specifically designed to address this issue by eliminating the need for gear-driven mechanical drives and variable-speed transmission devices.

Ranger brake lathes replaced antiquated transmission/gears found on other brands. You would be surprised if you stood back and watched a brake lathe machine finish a cut on a rotor or drum or flywheel. Brake rotors are very smooth—at least, they should be. If you were to turn a rotor on any lathe then drop a hammer on the floor next to the lathe, you would see a noticeable degradation of the cut at the moment of impact. Vibrations cause frequencies, which get transferred to the finished cut. Because the Ranger RL-8500 brake lathe does not use gears and transmissions, we completely eliminate multiple frequencies that could degrade the machining finish. The formation of surface roughness is usually the result of the tool feed rate, spindle rotational speed, tool geometry, material properties and relative tool-work vibration. With Ranger, vibrations and chatter from gears, bearings and mechanical drive parts are eliminated. Remember, these are the same vibrations that are often transferred to the tool-tip, leaving irregular cuts on the machined finish.

The RL-8500 brake lathe upgrades everything: more features and versatility, better performance, superior utility and the most productivity you’ve ever imagined. That’s what makes this one of the soundest investments for yourself and your business.

Simple, durable, trouble-free

Ranger brake lathes are easy to operate and durable enough to withstand the everyday abuses of a busy shop environment. A super-heavy, hardened, forged cast iron body combined with precision ground components and massive "floating spindles" make this one of the most dependable and trouble-free machines you will ever own.

A tradition of service

Superior quality, durability and precision—that’s what makes Ranger the growing choice of professionals worldwide. Whatever your brake service needs may be, you can rely on Ranger to deliver the right equipment for the job. As a preferred supplier of quality automotive service equipment, our goal is simple: give our customers the best quality and value while providing unparalleled service and support. Why does Ranger offer you so much more? We don’t just believe in developing superior products, we believe in creating solutions that make your job easier.

Time-tested construction

Since its introduction nearly four decades ago, the design of our RL-8500 combination brake lathe has been a favourite of brake technicians everywhere. It's simple, it's fast, it's precise and it runs forever. It features our twin-cutter tool head with micrometer dials and quick drum-to-rotor changeover. The adjustable speed settings allow you to quickly rough-cut rotors or slowly give them a fine, smooth cut. An infinitely adjustable spindle-feed gear box provides variable speed settings, providing finish cuts that meet or exceed factory specs. Our negative rake tooling yields one-pass finish cuts every time, and the standard 25 mm arbour provides you with a multitude of tooling and adapter choices from either Ranger or other aftermarket suppliers.

Transmission-free, dual servo motors

The absence of gear-driven mechanical drives and variable-speed transmission devices reduces service and repair costs dramatically over the unit's lifetime. The revolutionary RL-8500 brake lathe uses independent DC servo motors to control the cross feed and spindle feed drives, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gear boxes and transmissions typically found on mechanically-driven brake lathes.

Heavy-duty bench included

While others charge extra, we include this sturdy steel bench with large tool storage backboards, so you can hang all your adapters within arms’ reach. A durable multi-compartment toolbox provides storage for all adapters and accessories. Large chip "catch" funnel and chip bin keeps work area clean and safe.

Easily change from rotors to drums (and back)

A convenient quick-change tool-head design allows operators to quickly change the setup from drums to rotors and vice-versa. Upfront controls are designed for minimal operator movement. A handy tool tray is located near the front of the machine, so you can keep your favourite brake lathe tools nearby.

Fully equipped tooling package comes standard

Includes 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, 25 mm arbor, arbor nut, backload spring, spare bulb for lamp, illustrated instruction manual, wrenches, high-impact anti-vibration bands and plastic storage case.

Safe and easy to use

Our sensible ergonomic design allows you to work quickly and efficiently. Simple upfront controls are designed for minimal operator movement. A large bench with tool storage boards provides ample space for adapters and accessories.

Adjustable work lamps

Dual LED extra-bright work lamps keep both sides of the rotor and your work area properly lit, even in the darkest corners.

Let the chips fly

Large chip "catch" funnel and bin keeps work area clean and safe.

Optional truck adapter set

Our super-duty adapter package consists of an upgraded 22 mm arbour and a wide variety of adapters. This enormous multi-piece set allows you to expand the coverage to handle virtually any vehicle, all the way through full-size commercial trucks.