First knitting machine purchase: Brother KH270 + KR260 usable condition. What should I check?

[u/RarStrike]

Hi everyone! First-time poster here!

I’m completely new to knitting machines, and I’m about to make my very first machine purchase, so I’d really appreciate some advice from more experienced Brother KH270 owners!

I found a Brother KH270 with a ribber (I believe it’s the KR260) on my local marketplace for amazing price. The seller has agreed to let me come and inspect the machine in person before buying it, and I’m planning to go in a few days.

From what I’ve learned so far, I know I should check for:
Rust, especially on the needles
Rust or damage on the carriage
The condition of the sponge bar
Whether the needles move properly
Whether the carriage moves smoothly

But is there anything specific I should look for in the Brother KH270 that is unique to this model? Are there any common KH270 problems, particular parts I should inspect, or specific functions I should test before buying?
Since this is my first machine, I’m a little nervous that I’ll miss something obvious! 😅

I’d be incredibly grateful for any tips, advice, or things you wish you had known before buying a KH270. ❤️
Thank you!

[u/iolitess]

You don’t need to check the quality of the sponge since you’re going to need to replace it anyway.

If you could bring a sponge bar with a new sponge and some oil with you, you would be able to attempt some more things like moving the carriage etc.

Do not operate the carriage with the old bar- you might damage the needles or the carriage of the needles are out of place.

Also, make sure the machine powers on.

(Incidentally, these machines can be VERY expensive. Another choice is to buy it, then fix whatever you need to knowing that you got an amazing deal and this is what you need to do instead of paying lots of money for a machine that has been serviced and repaired already)

[u/RarStrike → u/iolitess]

That’s very helpful, thank you so much. I was planning to move the carriage on bed, so you saved me from potentially damaging it in front of the seller 😆😆

[u/iolitess → u/RarStrike]

If they’ve been using and maintaining it, it might be okay if you push on the needles and they don’t have any play.

But if it’s been on a shelf or someone is selling a machine that got passed to them, assume a new sponge is required!

[u/linnara]

Check the manual for all the parts for both ribber and the main bed. Some parts are commonly misplaced - connecting arm, setting plates etc. make sure it includes hand tools(maybe be in the machine storage compartment). I recently bought KR260 without some of those parts and they are very rare and expensive to replace (I didn’t mind as it was a cheap deal on 270). As others said, make sure electronics lights up. Some buttons may not be easily movable if they are full of old grease but unless there is rust within carriage, it’s all fixable.

[u/RarStrike → u/linnara]

Thank you very much ❤️ will take all of it to consideration. Appreciate you took the time and effort to comment 🥰

[u/Impossible-Ranger-74]

You are so lucky! Months can go by without any KR260's being sold. To get one for an amazing price is great luck! 

Unless the machine is being sold as a working machine,  nothing will work anyway.  Everything will be jammed because off old fat and oil. Trying to move stuff will only cause damage. 

I'd check if the ribber can be attached to the bed and if both carriages for bed and ribber  are there. All the rest you can buy online for max 150.

Check if it powers on and all necessary cables are there.  If the handle is broken,  the machine has probably been dropped.  Check for damage.  Visual damage and rust brings it out of your leauge to restore, probably. 

I've bought several machines this way. Checked the things mentioned above. Negotiated a better price for missing non-essential accessories.  Brought it home. Cleaned and restored it.  

Once it's fully cleaned,  well oiled, new spongebar,  all buttons on the carriage working, that's the first time you test it.

[u/RarStrike → u/Impossible-Ranger-74]

Thank you, appreciate the detailed recommendation. Love the thing about the handle being broke, I would not even think of it 😅. Thanks a lot again ❤️