Mickey2

I rate them highly. They have been the most reliable and least fuzzy of all my zigzaggers. All the functions and settings are easy to use. I have kept my freearm 730 Record, it does the neatest satin stitch even on fine fabrics. I don't often need wash-away stabilizers or stabilizers at all. Hemming jeans with them is not a problem either, they are strong and tough enough. Plastic gears can crack, but they often last 20 or even 50 years and some machines are still intact with their original parts. Replacing them is worth the effort, I would expect it to be a long lasting repair.

I think the 540 is the rotary hook model and takes different bobbins than the Bernina CB hook and bobbin system. It might have a stronger motor than the freearm models, and higher stitch per minute number. They stitch along smooth and nicely. They only have bulit in single layer cams, and not the double stitches you can find on other brands. The green machine in yoru picture have a hand wheel that easily allows for a treadle setup; most around here don't. Cabinet versions in good condition usually sell quickly.

I would not mind having a Necchi BU, or one of the Supernovas either. There are a few models made by Gritzner, Phoenix and Adler I like. The machines I use are my 201 in a cabinet, and a good freearm zigzagger is a must for me and that's a Bernina 730 and an Elna for stretchy stitches. If you have plenty of nice machines don't hesitate to sell one to a someone who needs it. You should clean, oil, and do a bit of sewing on it before you let it go though ;- )