I just measured my Babylock Espire. From the needle to the right is 8" with 4 1/2" clearance.
My Juki has more but it's in the shop for routine cleaning/oiling. It's higher and wider.
The Babylock cost more (class machine for $1700) and has a lot of pretty stitches. The Juki is a straight stitch, lean mean work horse. I can do free motion on it. I bought mine for $700. I easily did a queen size flannel quilt on it. Haven't done a king yet. I have it set up on a 6 foot table - no frame.
What I like about these machines - especially the Juki - is that all the little levers and such are positioned out of the way of quilting. I've done quilting on regular size machines and the pressor foot lever or the thread was constently getting in the way.
The Juki is purely mechanical and needs oiling. But, it does a beautiful straight stitch and sews through several thickness easily. I especially like making tote bags on it. Can you tell I love my Juki!
A lot of dealers have machines that people have traded in. Check with them and bargain for a good price. It's good to buy from a local dealer because sometimes they offer free classes and they give better customer support if you buy the machine from them.