Specs for Challenge Cutter Style 305F

Howdy,

I’ve got a friend who has a Challenge Style 305F No. F1830 cutter and I am considering buying it. Can anyone tell me anything about it? Shallow Google searches are turning up empty.

1. What year was it made?
2. What does it weigh?
3. It’s hydraulic — What does this mean and how does this work?
4. Does anyone have a similar cutter? If so, do you like it?

Thus far I’ve owned a manual and power 18” Triumph cutter. This Challenge would be an upgrade but I’d like to know more before purchasing.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Attached are a few pics.

Thanks,
Lily / Lilco

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Log in to reply   5 replies so far

not sure of the year but the challenge 30.5 is about the best cutter on the planet, i know of a couple of commercial printers still using this same cutter. you won’t be sorry you pick this up.

Thanks for the comment dickg. That is very encouraging. However, I’d still like to know more before proceeding. Anyone else know more?

These are great machines. If there are any issues with the hydraulic seals you might have to take it to a hydraulic shop.

I have one of this age and it leaks like mad, as it has leaky seals in the cut and clamp hydraulic cylinders. I got a new one so I haven’t taken it in yet. Not sure what it would cost to fix up.

@ ryanhowell - Thanks for the comment. Can you tell me the function of the knobs on the left and right side? I assume these trigger the blade and paper clamp. When I powered it on the I got the clamp to rise and lower but couldn’t get the blade to fire — is there a safety mechanism I’m missing?

Thanks!
Lily / Lilco

lsmithkirkley

That is a safety device, to trigger the B;ade, you lower the Clamp and push the left and right button at the same time !, that prevent you from having your hand under the knife.
The Polar Cutter I used to work on back in the days even send a minute amount of current thru the operator to prevent 2 people operating the Trigger buttons.