If you love the versatility of the Silver Reed LK150, but you are ready for more speed, consistency, and production-grade control, Bharat Machinery Works’ Flat Knitting Machine, Model BMF-11 is the natural step up. It keeps the flat-bed workflow you already know, then adds industrial features for real productivity, consistent fabric quality, and safer, longer runs.
Why switch from an LK150 to the Flat Knitting Machine
Same flat-bed logic, bigger output, the BMF-11 knits back and forth on a flat bed, just like your LK150, so your core handling stays familiar while your throughput jumps.
Wider gauge flexibility, choose from 6gg to 14gg to match projects from chunky winterwear to finer school knits, all on the same model line.
Industrial reliability, with motorized racking, micro-computer control, LCD programming, yarn-break and needle-break stop motions, and an AC drive, you get smoother operation and fewer surprises mid-run.
Made by a specialist, Bharat Machinery Works has been manufacturing flat knitting machines in India since 1987, with export experience and service coverage that helps keep you running.
If you are moving up from a domestic mid-gauge machine like the LK150, expect easier pattern repeats, more consistent stitch formation, and far better control over density and take-down.
What you can make on the BMF-11
This machine is built for the same categories many LK150 users knit, then scales them for volume and consistency: school uniform sweaters, sweaters, mufflers, caps, stoles, t-shirts, collars, and jacket rib. If those are your bread-and-butter items, BMF-11 is a direct fit.
BMF-11, at a glance
| Feature | BMF-11 Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | BMF-11 |
| Gauge options | 6gg, 7gg, 8gg, 9gg, 10gg, 11gg, 12gg, 13gg, 14g |
| Bed width | 28 inches up to 72 inches, choose the width that fits your product mix |
| Knitting speed | Up to 1.2 m courses per max, varies with width and conditions |
| Yarn feeders | 6 feeders on 3 rails standard, 8 feeders optional |
| Cam system | Tuck, Miss, Knit on front and rear bed |
| Needle type | High and low butt |
| Stitch density | 8 positions on front and rear bed |
| Racking | Motorized racking, 1 to 5, right to left, auto return |
| Driving system | Timing-belt carriage drive |
| Take-down | Rollers split into groups for stable fabric take-down |
| Stop motions | Yarn break, knot, yarn gauge, fabric drop, needle break, piece count, motor overload or low voltage |
| Control & display | Micro-computer system with 20Ă—4 LCD, continues from same point after power return |
| Powertrain | 1 HP AC drive (VFD), 1 HP motor, three-phase 220 V |
All specifications above are per the Flat Knitting Machine product page.
Picking your gauge, quick guidance
6–8 gg: chunkier winter mufflers, caps, heavy school sweaters
8–12 gg: most uniform sweaters, general sweaters and stoles
12–14 gg: collars, lighter knits, finer textures
The wide gauge spread on the BMF-11 means you choose once, then tune for product lines as your orders change. For many small units that started on an LK150, 8–10 gg becomes the daily driver.
Real upgrades you will feel on day one
Motorized racking with repeatable positions, better rib, racked textures, and faster set-ups between sizes.
Multiple yarn feeders, faster color changes and efficient striping without constant manual intervention.
Built-in stop motions, fewer defects, less wastage when a thread snaps or a needle fails.
Micro-computer with LCD, on-machine parameter control, density and piece counting right where you work.
Is the BMF-11 right for you, coming from an LK150?
Learning curve, low for flat-bed users, the motion and handling remain familiar, the controls add precision rather than complexity.
Space and power, plan floor space for the bed width you select, the machine uses a 1 HP motor with AC drive and 3-phase 220 V power, which a local electrician can provision in most workshops.
Throughput and quality, expect tighter tolerance on stitch density, better repeatability across sizes, and far less hand-holding per piece thanks to stop motions and controlled take-down.
Why Bharat Machinery Works
Bharat Machinery Works are a specialist manufacturer in flat, circular, and hose knitting machines, serving Indian and export markets since 1987, with the service culture to match. If you need guidance on gauge, bed width, or feeders for your specific product list, their team can size the machine to your use case.