DiZyDn:
In looking closely at the photo you posted, I can make the following from it:
-the machine is a large capacity pipe or bolt threader
-the photo was taken from the back side (or off side) of the machine, not the operator's or working side.
-What is visible at the left side of the photo is a die head with movable/changeable chasers.
-there is a gear pump to the further end of the machine, presumably a cutting oil circulation pump
Landis is still in business, and I believe they do support the pipe and bolt threaders with new die chasers. Other than that, I think Landis is pretty much out of manufacturing pipe and bolt threaders. Landis pipe and bolt threaders were never portable "pipe machines" that could be taken to the jobsites. They were usually much heavier stationary machine tools designed to be permanently installed in a pipe fab shop. Several things pretty much eliminated the need for heavy pipe threading machines. One was the move to grooved ("Victaulic" or "Groove Lock") pipe coupling systems with approvals from Factory Mutual and Underwriters for use on sprinkler and fire protection piping. Another was the move to welded pipe joints vs screwed. Anything over about 2" or 2 1/2" steel or stainless steel pipe is run using welded joints for the most part. Screwed brass pipe in that size is almost unheard of anymore, and sweated copper or mechanically joined copper (hydraulically crimped fittings) has pretty much taken the place of screwed brass pipe. In short, the need for large pipe threading machines is greatly reduced except perhaps for well-service related work. Bolt machines would generally not be that large. We have an Oster pipe and bolt machine in our powerhouse machine shop. It can take, I think, 4" pipe thru the head at the largest. It is nowhere near the size of the Landis machine you posted. We use the Oster pipe machine mainly for threading bar stock for pipe hangers or stud bolts. Another thing that pretty well killed the need for large capacity pipe machines is the portable "orbital" pipe prep machines. These are easily carried by one person. They clamp and center themselves on the end (or along) a piece of pipe. With a parting tool, these machines can cut the pipe square and face the ends, or with a toolbit or milling head, can put on weld preps. We have a few of the portable orbital pipe machines in our plant, and these are taken to the work. We groove pipe ends for Victualic couplings, cut, and bevel for welded joints with them. If the big Oster pipe machine gets used once or twice every couple of years it is a lot. The Landis Machine you posted is probably a real monster, maybe capable of taking 6" or 10" pipe thru the head. No one threads that size pipe anymore short of for well casings. I doubt there will be much activity on the part of buyers for that machine, and would guess it goes for scrap. I also think the range of pipe that machine can handle may be limited, possibly starting at something over 2". Unless you can check the machine over quite thoroughly, and see if die chasers (and condition of them) come with it, I'd steer clear of it.
Joe Michaels