The RL-8500 brake lathe from Ranger is ruggedly built and capable of faster, easier, and more accurate rotor/flywheel and drum/flywheel resurfacing than most other brake lathes. With infinitely adjustable feed rates you are able to easily modify cut speeds with the 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. The RL-8500 is the complete lathe package which includes the lathe, a sturdy bench, and large tool storage backboards so you can hang all of your adapters within reach. A common issue plaguing other brake lathes is the vibration that directly affects the tool-tip and leaves an imperfect cut on the machined surface. Ranger has specifically designed the RL-8500 to address this issue by eliminating the need for gear-driven mechanical drives and variable-speed transmission devices.

Because the Ranger RL-8500 brake lathe does not use gears and transmissions, they have created a machine that offers a very smooth operation. If you were to turn a rotor on any lathe and 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. With no gears and transmissions, Ranger has completely eliminated 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. When going with Ranger, vibrations and chatter from gears, bearings, and mechanical drive parts are no longer an issue.

With the RL-8500 you get great features, versatility, peak performance, superior utility, and increased productivity.

A tradition of service

Quality, durability, and precision are what makes a Ranger product so special. For them it is not enough to make a high-quality product. They need to make a product that will consistently be offering solutions to make the lives of technicians far easier.

Time-tested construction

The design of the RL-8500 was introduced nearly 40 years ago, and since then it has become a favorite of brake technicians everywhere. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it just keeps running. It features Ranger’s 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. Ranger’s negative rake tooling yields one-pass finish cuts every time, and the standard 1” arbor provides you with a multitude of tooling and adapter choices from either Ranger or other aftermarket suppliers.

Transmission-free, dual servo motors

Due to the fact that the RL-8500 does not include gear-driven mechanical drives and variable-speed transmission devices, it has significantly reduced service and repair costs over the span of the unit’s lifetime. By using independent DC servo motors to control the cross feed and spindle feed drives, Ranger has eliminated the need for complex mechanical gearboxes and transmissions typically found on mechanically-driven brake lathes.

Heavy-duty bench included

Ranger has included a sturdy steel work bench at no additional charge. It also comes with large stool storage backboards so all of your adapters can hang within arms’ reach. There is also a durable multi-compartment toolbox that provides storage for all adapters and accessories. Keep your work area clean and safe with the large chip “catch” funnel and chip bin.

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. The upfront controls are designed for minimal operator movement. With a handy tool tray located near the front of the machine you are able to keep your favorite brake lathe tools nearby.

Fully equipped tooling package comes standard

The RL-8500 comes fully loaded with everything you could possibly need. For example, it includes 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 lamp, illustrated instruction manual, wrenches, high-impact anti-vibration bands and plastic storage case. Get more bang for your buck with the RL-8500.

Safe and easy to use

Ranger has given the RL-8500 a sensible ergonomic design that allows you to work both quickly and efficiently. It features simple upfront controls which are designed for minimal operator movement.

Adjustable work lamps

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

Optional truck adapter set

If you’re looking to service virtually any vehicle, look no further. This super-duty adapter package includes an upgraded 1-⅞” arbor and a wide variety of adapters. This enormous multi-piece set can even allow you to service vehicles like full-size commercial trucks.