Tajima, Barudan or Happy

[Jason]

After outsourcing our embroidery the time has come to bring it in-house, we've narrowed it down to 3 brands and are looking at a new 4 or 6 head, Happy, Tajima ( both around same price) or Barudan machine, around 4-5K more, would appreciate any feedback from current users of these machines on the pro's cons, for is the Barudan worth the additional cost?

[Pensa]

We only use Barudans, built like tanks and extremely reliable, nothing really bad to say about them. The only issue i've had in 10 years was a bad colour change potentiometer, over £200 for something that probably cost less than £5 to make so spare parts are pricey as are the machine accessories Fortunately i do all my own servicing so didn't need a Tech which would have added to the cost considerably.

[Earl Smith]

I have Barudans and an old Tajima 4 head and as Pensa said they are built like tanks. Parts are expensive but Im sure they are for every make of machine. Ive renewed a couple of rotary hooks and the knives , standard stuff for any machine.

[mr-gobby]

We operate Tajima with no complaints, my (personal) summation is Tajima and Barudans are the top end, lots of others are copies or mimics and maybe okay, good or indifferent, no knocking anything just my view. There are alternatives too where you can run multiple single heads solo or collectively and cheaper brands like Brother with cheeky interface enhancements, I guess it's about budget first then actual requirements and finally your own personal persuasion toward a particular brand for whatever reason. Sticking with the big names you can't go far wrong though.

Mark