New Tech Machinery’s (NTM) 6” Mach II machine is the big brother to the company’s 5” model. Prototyped in 1991 and first delivered in 1994, the Mach II has seen a few tweaks, but its separate polyurethane drive and forming rollers, and rugged design are still built on that original, field-proven model.

When to Choose 6” K-Style Gutters

K-Style is the most popular type of gutter in residences and buildings across the country and beyond. The most common K-Style gutter sizes are 5” and 6”. It may not sound like a big difference between the two, but a 6” holds nearly 50% more water than its smaller counterpart. That’s a huge advantage in areas with heavy rain, strong storms, and ice and snow.

Key Considerations:

• Roof plane: The real surface area of each roof section, measured along the slope, determines the size of the roof. Larger roofs will have greater run-off and require a larger gutter. A roof over 1,400 sq. ft. requires a 6” gutter in most areas.

• Roof pitch: A 400-800 sq. ft. roof with a steep enough pitch may require a 6” gutter due to the speed of water runoff. So, while the plane is one determiner of gutter size, pitch also must be factored in to avoid overflow. 

• Climate: In a dry climate, a 5” gutter is fine for any size roof. However, even an occasional strong storm can damage landscape if the gutters overflow, so if it’s a dry area with seasonal strong storms, a 6” gutter may be the better choice. If your region receives 30” or more rain every year, the 6” is a shoo-in.

• Capacity: Because 6” gutters hold almost double the amount of water as 5”, they can handle more ice, snow, leaves, twigs, etc. Their larger capacity helps facilitate the movement of water to the downspouts. Also, the downspouts on a 6” gutter will be larger — 3” x 4” — wide enough to accommodate most debris.

• Appearance: If the house has a small fascia board, the 6” gutter may stick out. You don’t want the rain flowing over the overhang, either, so make sure the gutter fits the roofline. 

• Material: 6” gutters are heavier and larger than 5”, so a weak material may not serve the purpose if it doesn’t hold up to storms. Aluminum is common due to its low cost and durability in hot and cold conditions; however, in some regions, gutter contractors may only install steel, galvanized steel, or copper due to their strength. Steel and copper require more labor and come with higher price tags, so if cost is a consideration, aluminum may be the best option for many homeowners.

Best Mach II Accessories

Having the right accessories can make your operation more efficient. Knowing the difference in capacity between a cradle (weight up to 400 lbs.) and a reel (weight up to 1,000 lbs.) may be important when it comes to the size of the job.

Listed below are popular accessories:

EZ-Counter Computerized Length Controller—Program up to 50 lengths, track material, offer miter options on all gutter machines, operate in feet and inches, inches only, or millimeters, and operate as an Easy-touch screen.

Hook assembly – hems the back flange for hidden hangers

Bottom-bead assembly – two decorative ribs down the gutter floor (also helps reduce oil-canning)

Run-out stands – essential for supporting long gutter sections as they exit the machine

Transfer racks—Transfer racks are a great accessory for your gutter machine if you’re using reels. They make transferring loaded coils from one turnstile reel stand to another easier and faster.