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.

I had a pro -cut  55 . I was never really satisfied with it. Had problems in the beginning with the arc swirling around . Turned out something was wrong with the gun.  3/8" was about the limit it would cut thicker but not any faster or cleaner than oxy / acetyl.   And it went through consumables like candy.  But I used it for almost 10 yrs. before replacing it so I guess I got my moneys worth.

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

Buy a Hypertherm 30. It will cut circles around the Pro Cut 55 and will not give you the problems that the 55 will. Consumables will last longer also. JMO

If every brand was sitting on a table with no covers or shells, then you'd pick the Hypertherm every time.

Several years ago during a talk with a Lincoln rep, he said Hypertherm was top of the line.
I had an ESAB, which was ok, but traded for a powermax 45 and finally was happy with plasma.
Like Welderbrent, I prefer a torch for 3/8 and up.