Portable gutter machines continue to gain in popularity as contractors and consumers discover the benefits of seamless gutters. In case you haven’t yet familiarized yourself with the advantages to seamless gutters, they’re far superior to prefabricated gutters that come in sections and must be fastened together, thus risking more chance of leakage.
Seamless gutters are customized to fit the structure so that you avoid seams, rendering them more leak-resistant and easier to maintain. Also, as an installer, it’s easier to fabricate the gutters onsite than to transport materials where they can get damaged along the way.
New Tech Machinery (NTM) has manufactured portable rollformers for over 30 years and originated the polyurethane drive roller. Our gutter machines have become the go-to for many contractors looking to expand their operations with more crews and machines, and for those just starting out in the business.
The good news is that despite inflation and slowdowns in the materials supply chain, NTM has been able to keep up with demand, and for 2024 we have lowered the costs of our Mach II Gutter Machines to help support gutter contractors.
In this article, we’ll look at our gutter machines with a variety of configurations, and help you determine if purchasing a portable gutter machine is right for your business. We’ll focus on New Tech Machinery’s MACH II™ 5”, 6”, and 5”/6” Combo Gutter Machines and the BG7™ Box Gutter Machine.
You’ll learn about:
- Machine types and prices
- Accessories
- What to look for when buying a gutter machine
How Much Does a Seamless Gutter Machine Cost?
Choosing the size of gutter machine you need may depend on your demographic. Find out what size and style is most in demand in your area. If you’re in the desert southwest, you won’t need to produce as large a size gutter as you would for coastal areas, for example. If you’ve already been in the industry for some time, you probably already have a good idea about what’s popular in your region.
The most popular NTM Mach II Gutter Machine is the 5″/6″ combo, as it offers more versatility. That said, you might decide you just need the 5″ or 6″ machine, depending on market demands.
Once you’ve decided on the machine, you’ll have to determine which configuration is right for you.
MACH II 5”, 6”, and 5”/6” Combo Gutter Machines
The MACH II machines produce k-style gutters that can incorporate a bottom bead, alcoa hook, or straight back profile. K-style is the most popular gutter type for most residential and some commercial properties, and the only style produced by the NTM Mach II machines. They come in 5″, 6″, and 5″/6″ combo sizes.
Prices for portable seamless gutter machines vary depending on the configuration, accessories, and size of gutters produced. We’ll start the base price and go through the different configurations. Also consider which accessories you might need for your operation.
Prices for MACH II Machine Only
This is the machine without the shear or any accessories. It’s a good option if you already own accessories, like a cradle or reel, and cut your gutters with something other than a shear.
- 5″ MACH II: $7,600 USD.
- 6″ MACH II: $8,928 USD.
- 5″/ 6″ Combo: $10,528 USD.
Prices for MACH II Machine with Shear
If you already have a cradle, reel, or another way to feed material through the machine, but want a machine that has a shear to cut the gutter for you, this is your best option.
- 5” Mach II: $8,463 USD.
- 6” Mach II: $9,951 USD.
- 5”/6” Combo Mach II: $12,420 USD. (Includes two shears).
Price for MACH II Machine with Two Coil Cradles and Shear
A coil cradle holds smaller coils for 5” and 6” gutters. It can be machine or floor-mounted and has a capacity of up to 400 lbs. It’s easier to load coil onto a cradle than a reel since it’s not as large a coil. It’s your best option for small jobs or specialty coils used infrequently.
Some customers prefer cradles over reels due to easier loading or limited forklift access for placing gutter reels onto their machines. Two cradles may hold all they need for a job.
- 5” Mach II: $9,792 USD.
- 6” Mach II: $11,210 USD.
- 5”/6” Combo Mach II: $14,065 USD. (Includes two shears.)
Prices of MACH II Machine with Reel Stand, Reel, Coil Cradle, and Shear
Like cradles, reels carry the coil above the machine for compact use. The maximum weight the reel can support is approximately 1,000 lbs. Reels can hold a larger diameter coil than the cradle, so you can put your most used color, for example white, on the reel, then use the cradle for smaller coils with custom colors.
The reels are adjustable in width to hold 11-3/4” through 15” wide coil for 5” and 6” gutters. This option gives you the most flexibility and versatility for holding various sizes and weights of metal coils or for those businesses that do a lot of gutter installation projects.
The turnstile reel stand that supports the reel allows users to spin the reel to face the other direction if the coil was placed onto the reel stand backward, allowing for easier repositioning when necessary. The reels offer a way to help feed the gutter straight into the machine, and the cradle allows you to hold an additional metal coil (up to 400 lbs.)
- 5″ MACH II: $9,696 USD.
- 6″ MACH II: $11,115 USD.
- 5″/6″ Combo MACH II: $13,968 USD. (Includes two shears.)
Prices of MACH II Machine with Two Reel Stands, Two Reels, and Shear
This machine setup is the most popular amongst gutter contractors and installers, allowing you to hold the most amount and weight of coil on top of your machine. Great for use inside a shop or on site, this configuration is ideal for those who take on a lot of gutter projects, require a lot of material, or handle commercial projects.
- 5” Mach II: $9,504 USD.
- 6” Mach II: $10,925 USD.
- 5”/6” Combo Mach II: $13,728 USD. (Includes two shears.)
Mach II Accessories and Add-Ons
Accessories can add efficiency and increased productivity, and may be necessary for how you operate your business. For a full list of the best gutter machine accessories and prices, click here.
Some add-ons you can purchase separately include:
- Turnstile reel stand: $325 USD.
- Single run-out stand: $250 USD.
- Set of three run-out stands: $625 USD.
- 16″ or 20″ ID adjustable width reel (max. weight 1,000 lbs.): $610 USD.
- Hook assembly: $1,260 USD.
- Riser pads 6″-8″ or 10″-12″: $650 USD
- EZ-Counter computerized length controller: $2,600 USD.
BG7 Box Gutter Machine
The BG7 is a 7” commercial box-style gutter machine and is capable of producing two profiles that feature a hook or a straight back.
Price for BG7 Machine Only
The base price for just the BG7 machine is $62,200 USD and includes:
- Hydraulic drive and shear
- Choice of gas or electric Quick-Change™ Power Pack (Note: The BG7 electric motor options are 22V or 460V, depending on customer requirements.)
Price for BG7 Gutter Machine with Accessories
If you want to get the most versatility and efficiency out of this machine for your gutter business, you can choose from the following accessories:
- NATM-complaint 12,000 lb. capacity tandem axle trailer with four independent jack stands, crane lifting eyes, electric brakes, and breakaway kit: $16,900 USD.
- Remote with 4-button start/stop/forward/reverse: $2,550 USD.
- Programmable Logic Batch/Length Controller (PLC): $10,500 USD.
- Dual bolt-on overhead reel stand, machine mount $3,050 USD.
- Single free-standing reel stand: $2,500 USD
- Expandable arbors, 16” to 20” ID: $2,425 USD each
- Variable height run-out table: $895 USD per 10’ section
- Additional Quick-Change Power Pack (gas engine or electric motor): $8,110 USD.
- Canvas cover kit: $2,690 USD.
- PVC strippable film applicator: $1,800 USD.
BG7 Profile Options
Hook assembly: $6,900 USD.
What Should I Look for When Purchasing a Gutter Machine?
The best way to make sure you purchase the right seamless gutter machine is to do your research and understand what you should look for whether you decide to buy used or new. New Tech Machinery doesn’t sell used machines, but you can find information on what to look for here.
Knowing your customer’s needs is essential. K-style gutters are standard throughout most of the country. 5” gutters are typical in most states, but areas that experience significant rainfall, such as Florida, lean toward 6” gutters, the same as light commercial.
26 gauge is standard for steel gutters, but southern regions that experience severe storms often use a heavier 24 gauge. In Canada, the lighter 28 gauge is the norm. Aluminum has become popular as it’s durable and won’t rust. Copper has become popular for some upscale homes, but it’s expensive so not as common overall. As regions differ, you’ll need to figure out which machine will produce the best gutter according to your demographic.
Does the machine have separate drive and forming rollers?
The best rollforming machines tend to have separate drive and forming rollers. Separating the two results in less stress on the metal because the rollers aren’t trying to form and drive the material simultaneously. Drive rollers are typically made of polyurethane or metal.
What Materials Can the Machine Run?
Make sure the portable gutter machine you’re interested in will run the materials you plan to provide to your customers. For example, some machines don’t run copper or may be limited in material thicknesses and gauges.
All NTM seamless gutter machines are designed to run painted steel, painted aluminum, or copper. Check the machine specifications for more details on recommended gauges and material thicknesses.
What Size Gutter Machine Do I Need?
If you know most of your clients will want a 5” gutter, you might be fine just purchasing one machine size. However, if you want to offer both 5” and 6”, a combo gutter machine may be your best option. If you’re doing primarily commercial work, you might opt for the BG7 Box Gutter Machine.
It’s also important to know which profiles and styles (i.e. k-style, box, etc.) are popular in your region. Depending on the number of profile options you want to provide to your customers (i.e., hooks, bottom bead roolers, etc.), make sure the machines you’re looking at can make each variation.
What’s the Machine’s Footprint and Length?
The longer the machine, the higher the quality of the finished product. This is due to the machine having more spread-out forming stations which gradually form the metal, reducing stress on the material.
Does the Machine Use Push-Button Controls or a Drum Switch?
Push-button controls are considered the better option for controlling the machine, as they are easier and more efficient to use.
Does it Have a Computer Controller for Automatic Length Control?
If you’re looking for the machine to stop automatically at a specified length, ensure you get a rollformer with a computer controller that allows this function.
What Service, Support, or Warranties are Offered?
Ask the manufacturer if they offer any warranties (most used machines don’t include a manufacturer warranty), service or technical support, troubleshooting help, training on the machine, and replacement parts. You never know when you’ll encounter a problem with your machine, so it’s critical that you know what to do and who to contact in such an event.
Is a Portable Gutter Machine Right for My Business?
Buying a seamless gutter machine can be a great asset to your business, especially if you want to take control of your own production and diversify what you can offer customers. But you want to ensure you’re buying the right machine with the add-on options best suited for you from the start.
Remember:
- The base price of a seamless gutter machine often doesn’t include any accessories or add-ons. If you’re just starting a gutter business, consider the following:
- How to get financing (if needed).
- The market demand for seamless gutters.
- The gutter profile and size options for your demographic.
- Skilled crew members who can run and maintain the machine.
- Available training (NTM offers free training for new machine owners at our facility in Aurora, Colorado)
- Warranties and support offered by the manufacturer.
- Related expenses (trailer or truck, materials and tools, gas expenses, etc.)
At New Tech Machinery, our goal is to make portable seamless gutter machines to help you and your business succeed. We’re dedicated to helping you find the best gutter machine that fits your needs and budget.
Reach out to the New Tech Machinery sales team for more information about our seamless gutter machines available or to help you find the best configuration for your business!
