I have been reading all the reviews I can find and feel like I have a pretty good handle on the pro's cons, etc. of the different machines. For context I am looking at purchasing a single head machine for a home based business. We want something more than the brother but dont want to go too big and spend too much money.
The one thing that I am curious about is the Toyota Machines. There is a very strong level of support for the Tajima and Barudan machines but isnt the Toyota machine made in Japan also? From looking at it, it seems that it is very similar to the Tajima but a good amount less money.
Any thoughts on this? I have found a used Toyota machine (9000) that might fit our budget but I am concerned because there is not much content about them.
Last question. The SWF machines??? How are they? I see some good info on them but also some pretty critical posts.
Thanks for any help. There is a lot of information to filter through.
Re: What about the Toyota machines??? versus Tajima and Barudan
The Toyota is , in essence, a Tajima with some refinements. Most of the parts have the Tajima logo stamped on them. I know 2 people who use them and they can only say good things about them.
Earl
Re: What about the Toyota machines??? versus Tajima and Barudan
I have been in the embroidery business for about 10 year plus. My personal preferences are #1 Brothers, # 2 Barudans, I am not too thrilled with Tajema, Toyota, or SWF. When I look at buying new machines I need machines that are low maintenance, high performers. My Brothers and Barudans I started out used-- 10 years ago and they are still performing like new. Other than routine maintance-which I do myself-- I have never had to call a service rep in on either Brothers or Barudans. My Tajema and Toyota, well, I gave them away!!
Re: What about the Toyota machines??? versus Tajima and Barudan
The Toyota 9000 and 9100 are essentially the same machine as the Neo and Neo II. Both use a Tajima head and Toyota electronics. Both Tajima and Toyota will tell you that these machines were designed and manufactured as a joint venture. The only difference in the two is the operating system.
As for service Tajima, Toyota, Barudan will all give you good service provided you care properly for the machine. Don't just look at the service available from the manufacturer but look at the availability of quality service technicians in your area who are certified on the specific machine you purchase. Also note that there are a lot of these machines out there and an abundance of parts.
I have a Toyota 860. I love the machine however there is no one in my area for service. I have learned to service the machine myself. I will soon be adding a Toyota 9100. My choice for the 9100 is that I like the Toyota/Tajima design, I like the Toyota communications package (Expert Stitch Manager) that I am already using with my 860. It will allow me to have both the 860 and 9100 in the same network.
Bill
Re: What about the Toyota machines??? versus Tajima and Barudan
I have a Toyota 860. I love the machine however there is no one in my area for service. I have learned to service the machine myself. I will soon be adding a Toyota 9100. My choice for the 9100 is that I like the Toyota/Tajima design, I like the Toyota communications package (Expert Stitch Manager) that I am already using with my 860. It will allow me to have both the 860 and 9100 in the same network.
Bill
Hi.
I also have Toyota machines (850 & 860). I recently only heard about the stitch manager software. I am having problems to get the software and machines to communicate with each other. I thought the problem was that the 860 is not compatible with it. I see in your post that you do use it with your 860. Might you be of any assistance? I would really like to use the software with my machines.
Thank you
Elsebet
Re: What about the Toyota machines??? versus Tajima and Barudan
We have the Toyota 9100 Net. We have had it for 2 years now and are looking to get another. I love the network ability of the 9100 Net. My machine did 3.7 million stitches in 1 week with no problems. I can not say enough good things about it. If I had the money, I would have 4 or 5 of them. Maybe someday.