I have a Procut 80. I have not used it much, but it seems to work fine, but I never used any other.
I hear You can't buy a new torch for them anymore, doubt You would anyway due to cost.
I don't know about internal parts availability, ask Kay.
I still see consumables for sale, I got Mine from ATL Welding Supplies eBay store. (800) 551-1086
The operating principle is like a Hypertherm or Miller, blowback arc transfer, no high frequency.
These machines may have been overpriced new. Northern Tool was selling an 80 amp machine on eBay for about 1K more than a similar new Hypertherm from a welding supply on eBay a coupple years ago, I think after Lincoln stopped production.
Mine was actually a Redi Arc, same machine but with a stainless cover. They hammered the dents out, re painted, put on new decals and put on a new gun connection, and new gun on it.
If these were problem machines, I think they would have offed them much sooner.
Someone is going to tell You to buy a Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics because they are the best.
They are both good, but in used machines, You take what You can find as long as it is good value.
Interesting comments thus far. Let me give you my experience:
We needed a new machine in a hurry. Got a good deal that I won't go into from my local supplier. Got the Lincoln Pro-Cut 60. This was 15 years ago. The machine is still doing great. We just bought a new torch with all leads due to an accidental cutting through of the lead (with the plasma cutting from the inside and the lead had gotten pulled up so it was tight against the opposite side of the part being cut). It was about $500 with the longer leads. Still cheaper than a new machine that is rated the same, especially since this one still works fine.
As far as we are concerned the consummables last well for this size machine. It does make a difference on who is using it and if they truly know what they are doing. Remember, they are a drag machine up to about 3/8" thick material. Keep the power down as low as possible for the material being cut. Keep the right air filters on to supply clean air. Keep the air pressure between 60 (min or it will shut down) and 70 for most applications (more is not better-just like oxygen on the torch or air to an air-arc).
The '60' cuts up to 1/2" at 100% duty cycle and it will still do it after 15 years. It is rated for about 1" if I remember right at about 30% duty cycle. BUT, I have 'cut' through 1 1/2" with it on several occassions. You just have to move slow and smooth and go in a small circular motion to cut a wide kerf washing out the metal. We have used it on Stainless, Aluminum, Standard Carbon Steels, Tool Steels. Always did well.
Now, in all my experiences with plasma machines, I have always felt that 'I' could cut through steel better and faster with a torch for materials over 3/8". Even for some applications from 1/4" and up. Depends upon the layout, size, straight or decorative cuts, etc. And I have seen few machines that maintained a good straight kerf over 1/4". They start to wander to the side so it depends upon what your parts are for and what you want the finished product to accomplish.
I can usually train people to get clean cuts faster with the plasma than I can with oxy/fuel. That equals faster clean up and prep for structural welding of parts. The plasma slag pops off easier for most people than what they get for slag with the oxy.
Grizzly, if you are getting a decent price on this, I would not be afraid of it. Yes, I have another machine that I prefer for mobile work, smaller, lighter, but only cuts to 5/16-3/8" maxed out. I have used others. Some may have been better. But most of it is in what you get used to, what is available at the time, warrantee if buying NEW, price, and training so the consummables will last properly.
Just my two tin pennies worth.
Have a Great Day, Brent